1977

OCT

DEC.

SERIES

YBREAK

The last loaf of bread. And the

prophet had asked for it,

calling on the woman to put

God first and to trust the

promise of God. She knew

what God was like. So she

poured out her last oil and

meal for the Lord's work.

This Sabbath, when the

Sabbath School offering is

received, will your giving

habits show that you know

what the Lord is like? Will

yours be a sacrificial gift,

offered out of trust and love?

The woman and her son saw

the miracle of God's continual

providing. God is still

performing miracles today.

Open Heart

Let Gods love show through your giving.

We know that with the help of the Sabbath school members around the world

these two projects will be a reality soon. For the liberality with which

ave always



ated



er-America, again we say

MUCHAS, MUCHAS GRACIAS!

Secretar

1-ASSL 4-77

General Conference of Seventh day Adventists

INTER-AMERICAN DIVISION

760 PONCE DE LEON BOULEVARD • P. 0. BOX 340760 • CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA 33134 • TELEPHONE (305) 443-7471

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY



CABLE "ADVENTIST" MIAMI

Dear Sabbath school members around the world:

Saludos

from the Inter-American Division!

The Lord has marvelously blessed His work in Inter-America. In the last

five years more than 210,000 new souls have been added to the church by

baptism or profession of faith. The membership in the Division has

soared to almost half a million members. This phenomenal growth has,

of course, caused some problems--the need for more workers, more places

of worship, more schools, more health facilities, et cetera.

I can assure you that our workers and members are doing the utmost to face

these tremendous needs. They are sacrificing in many ways to meet their

portion of the church's needs at home and also in the world field.

During this quarter we will be looking to you again to assist us in two

special projects which the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering Overflow will benefit:

The completion of a hospital in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

Haiti is

a country of great possibilities, but also of many needs. For the last

eight years, an out-patient clinic has served the Port-au-Prince area,

taking care of 1,

450 patients per month. With the help of the organiza-

tion and a group of members called "Missions International" a new hospi-

tal was begun in 1975; however, they certainly need all the help they

can receive to finish it. Your contributions to the Thirteenth Sabbath

Offering this quarter will help to achieve this goal.

The construction of the men's dormitory at the Central American

Union College.

Seven countries which in themselves form seven local

fields, compose the Central American Union. From Guatemala and Belice

in the north, to Panama in the south, these seven fields look to CADES,

as the union college is known among them, for their workers and as the

place of refuge for their youth. The present men's dormitory is quite

old and inadequate for the needs of today. It is imperative that a new

dormitory be built to accommodate the young men who are attending this

institution to become workers. Your Thirteenth Sabbath Offering for

this quarter will also help to build this much needed men's dormitory at

CADES.

Paper $1.95



Cloth $2.95



Spiral $2.50

Order from your local Adventist Book Center or ABC

Mailing Service, P.O. Box 31776, Omaha, Nebraska 68131.

In Canada, Box 398, Oshawa, Ontario, LIR 7L5.

Please include State sales tax where necessary, and add

6 per cent or a minimum charge of 50 cents for mailing.

Lid

ADVENT YOUTH SING is one new songbook 'evrYorie in the church

_,-

can enjoy

In these 215"old

favorites and poi

Eiular new

;

melodies

(several published here for the first time) you will fincItthe songs today

Adventist young people love to sing. The titles include "Alleluia,"

41.



11 4

A Quiet Place, 'Let Us Break Bread Together,' Love

Was When " and "Side by Side." In addition to the



..,

usual four-part musical arrangements, all songs

are chorded for guitar.



Adult Sabbath School Lessons / No. 330, October-December, 1977

Contn[s

1. The Final Times

The Removal of a Seal

End-time Celestial Signs

The End-time Church

Global Distress

The Antediluvians and the Second Advent

Eroding Moral Behavior

A Changing Christianity

Religious Trends

10.

Fascination With the Occult

11.

Spreading Spiritualism

12.

Misleading Miracles

13.

Natural Calamities

14.

Human Solutions—or the Saviour?

The Adult Sabbath School Lessons are prepared by the Sabbath School Department

of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. The preparation of the lessons

is directed by a worldwide Sabbath School Lesson Committee, the members of which

serve as consulting editors.

Editorial Office: 6840 Eastern Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20012

Lesson Author: Frank Holbrook

Editor: W. Richard Lesher

Editorial Secretary: Florence L. Wetmore

Circulation Manager: Arthur R. Mazat

Art and Design: Lauren Smith

Photography: Duane Tank

Scripture references other than from the King James Version quoted by permission in this

quarterly are as follows:

NEB. From

The New English Bible,

and the Syndics of the Cambridge University Press 1961 and 1970. Used by permission of

Cambridge University Press, New York City.

Phillips. From

The New Testament in Modern English,

Revised Edition, copyright@ 1958, 1959,

1960, 1972 by J.

Phillips. Used by permission of The Macmillan Company and Collins Pub-

lishers.

RSV. From the

Revised Standard Version Bible,

the U.S.A., and used by permission.

Braille lessons available. See page 120.

Adult Sabbath School Lessons (regular edition). Single copy, 40 cents; four issues (1 year)

$1.60;

no additional charge to countries requiring extra postage. Published in the U.S.A. by Pacific

Press Publishing Association (a corporation of SDA), 1350 Villa Street, Mountain View, California

94042. Second-class mail privileges authorized at Mountain View, California. Form 3579 re-

quested. When a change of address is desired, please be sure to send both .old and new

addresses.

It's possible to survive on one meal a

week. For a few weeks. But within a

short time you'll discover you are suf-

fering a loss of physical strength.

Likewise, your spiritual strength de-

pends on a regular consistent diet of

spiritual food.

A Sabbath morn-

ing sermon and a

Sabbath School

class discussion

once a week are not

enough to provide

the strength needed

for a life of spiritual

victory.

Daily Bible study is not an option to

spiritual life; it is basic—not dessert but

the main course. Regular Sabbath

School lesson study is also essential

spiritual food; it is your opportunity to

follow an organized program, covering

the broad scope of

Biblical truth.

Why not decide

that your spiritual

diet deserves at

least the attention

you give the physi-

cal. God's table is

the place to feast.

1Feast

An invitation to dine at God's table

The Time of the End

Introduction

"Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?" (Isa. 21:11). This

ancient cry from Edom echoes down the corridors of the centuries. The times were

perplexing, and the Edomites desired to know when the morning would come. They

longed for the dawn to roll away the mists of their dread and despair.

Ed om's fearful inquiry is breathed again by many thoughtful persons today. Jour-

nalists speak of our world community as being in "a state of perpetual crisis."

Modern communications and modes of travel have shrunk our world. Distant, un-

known nations have become neighbors. What affects one part of the city affects the

other parts. And in this generation it seems as though the world city staggers from

one crisis to another. Men's hearts are fearful as they consider what disasters may be

coming in the future.

But God has not left His people in doubt as to the meaning 'of our times. The

prophecies of the Bible foretold the conditions which would develop in our world

society just before Jesus' return. The troubles of an aging creation are described as

the sharp pains and anguish of birth which in turn will issue forth the coming of

Christ, the cessation of sin, and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom.

In the Bible the period preceding the advent is called "the time of the end." As we

shall see, "the time of the end" is a specific period of time beginning at the close of

the papal period in 1798 and extending to the return of Christ. During this period

would occur the signs foretold in Scripture.

Jesus announced that celestial signs would signal His coming. Gabriel told the

prophet Daniel that his book would be opened and understood in "the time of the

end." And when the seal broke, earnest Bible students discovered that a great

investigative, pre-advent judgment had begun in heaven and would continue during

the time of the end, vindicating God and the subjects of His kingdom.

Prophecy also disclosed the rise of a vigorous religious movement that would give

God's last invitation of mercy with a special "time of the end" emphasis.

But God's actions in heaven and through His last-day people would meet with many

challenges on earth. Political, moral, social, and religious developments on earth

would constitute not only signs of the nearing day of Christ, but would also pose

problems to the advancement of God's work.

As we study the many signs of distress and declension, we cannot but realize that

humanity is nearly bankrupt. Insurmountable problems seem poised to crush out

human existence as we know it. Yet, while many despair, this can be the church's

finest hour. Men at their wits end may now give pause to listen to what God's people

have to say. By word and by life-style the church may lift up Jesus Christ, the only

answer and hope of mankind. Daily the second advent becomes more relevant as the

only remedy for earth's ills.

Like the ancient prophet, the church may answer the despairing cry of modern man

with the hopeful, yet truthful words: "The morning cometh, and also the night." The

eternal day of Christ's kingdom is about to dawn, and sin's day will be forever ended.

LESSON 1 September 25 to October 1

1.THE FINAL TIMES

"Of which salvation the prophets

have inquired and searched diligently,

who Prophesied of the grace that

should come unto you: searching

what, or what manner of time the

Spirit of Christ which was in them did

stgnify, when it testified beforehand

the sufferings of Christ, and the glory

that should follow. Unto whom it was

revealed, that not unto themselves,

but unto us they did minister the

things, which are now reported unto

you

(1 Peter 1:10-12).

When we think of biblical

references to "times," we first

remember that the "times" and

"seasons" under God's control (Acts

1:7) have been revealed to His people

through the prophets (Amos 3:7).

As the apostle Peter indicates,

biblical prophecy centers around two

important events in the plan of

salvation—the first advent ("the

sufferings of Christ"), and the second

advent ("the glory that should

follow").

The Old Testament focused on the

first advent of Christ. The Messiah's

coming lay in the distant future, at the

end of a long era of waiting. Hence,

the New Testament refers to the first

coming of Christ as taking place "in

these last days" (Heb. 1:2), and the

atoning death "in these last times"

(1 Peter 1:18-20). So important is the

incarnation and atonement in

resolving the sin problem that it is

stated that they have taken place "in

the end of the world" (Heb. 9:26). The

cross was the triumphant climax of the

divine resolution of the sin problem.

Since it settled basic issues in the

controversy between good and evil, it

could be said that Calvary marked the

end of an era—the end of a long age of

waiting.

In a sense, then, the first advent of

Christ was the "beginning of the end."

The plan was fully confirmed in the life

and death of Christ.

Now, in the New Testament, the

focus can shift more forcefully to the

end of the probationary time, to the

second advent of Christ and the close

of the drama of sin and rebellion.

Prophecy foretold that certain

events would occur within the church

and the world before the second

advent takes place. Furthermore,

there would be a period of time

allotted near the close of human

history to give everyone a final

opportunity to accept the gospel of

divine grace. It is these "final times"

relating to the second advent that we

wish to study this week.

DAILY HIGHLIGHTS

Time's Focus

(Heb. 9:28)

Time's End

(Matt. 24:3)

Expected Time

(2 Thess. 2:1-4)

Prophetic Time

(Dan. 7:25)

Time of the End

(Dan. 11:33-35)

Prophecy and Time of the End

(Dan. 12:4, 9)

The Final Times

LESSON 1



❑

Sunday

September 25



Part 1



"So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and

TIME'S FOCUS unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time

without sin unto salvation" (Heb. 9:28).

"One of the most solemn and yet most glorious truths re-

vealed in the Bible is that of Christ's second coming to complete

the great work of redemption. To God's pilgrim people, so long

left to sojourn in 'the region and shadow of death,' a precious,

joy-inspiring hope is given in the promise of His appearing, who

is 'the resurrection and the life,' to 'bring home again His

banished.' The doctrine of the second advent is the very keynote

of the Sacred Scriptures."—The

Great Controversy,

p. 299

"The coming of the Lord has been in all ages the hope of His

true followers. The Saviour's parting promise upon Olivet, that

He would come again, lighted up the future for His disciples,

filling their hearts with joy and hope that sorrow could not

quench nor trials dim. Amid suffering and persecution, the

'appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ' was

the 'blessed hope.'

"—The Great Controversy,

p. 302.

What promise did Jesus make which holy angels affirmed

on the day of His ascension? John 14:1-3; Acts 1:9-11.

"The disciples had beheld the cloud receive Him.... And the

angels had assured them that the very One whom they had seen

go up into heaven, would come again. . . . Well might the

disciples rejoice in the hope of their Lord's return."—The

Desire

of Ages,

p. 832.

What ordinance did Jesus institute to keep the hope of His

return fresh in the minds of His people? 1 Cor. 11:26.

"The Communion service points to Christ's second coming. It

was designed to keep this hope vivid in the minds of the

disciples."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 659.

For successful living a person needs to recognize a meaning-

ful authority and have a worthy objective in life. The Christian

centers his life on Christ. His hope is fixed upon the second

coming of Christ. All the decisions of his life are made in refer-

ence to Jesus and that final event.



THINK IT THROUGH



How does my personal belief in Christ's coming affect my

everyday living?

"I saw that the words, the dress, and actions should tell for

God. Then a holy influence will be shed upon



Unbelievers

will see that the truth we profess has a holy influence and that

faith in Christ's coming affects the character of the man or

woman."—Testimonies, vol.

1, p. 132.



FURTHER STUDY



The Great Controversy,

pp. 299-302.

The Final Times

LESSON 1



❑

Monday

September 26



Part 2



What important climactic event did the disciples associate

TIME'S END with the second coming of Christ?

"As he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came

unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things

be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of

the world?" (Matt. 24:3).

Some Christians believe that the second coming of Christ will

usher in His personal reign over the nations of earth

as they now

exist,

and peace and prosperity will ensue. This view sees a

continuation

of this present world under Christ's rule. But the

Scriptures plainly portray that Christ's coming brings the

end

this present world, not an extension. The coming of Christ

brings deliverance to God's people, but a cataclysmic end to

sinful human life.

How will the impenitent react to the actual appearing of

Christ? Matt. 24:30; Rev. 6:14-17.

What effect will the coming of Christ have upon the impeni-

tent and the organized forces of apostasy? 2 Thess. 1:7-9; 2:8.

"At the coming of Christ the wicked are blotted from the face

of the whole earth—consumed with the spirit of His mouth and

destroyed by the brightness of His glory. Christ takes His people

to the City of God, and the earth is emptied of its

inhabitants."—The

Great Controversy,

p. 657.

What impact do the last plagues and the second coming

have on the physical earth? Rev. 16:17-21; 2 Peter 3:10.



THINK IT THROUGH



What spiritual preparation am I making for the end of time—

the end of human probation?

"The day of the Lord is approaching with stealthy tread; but

the supposed great and wise men know not the signs of Christ's

coming or of the end of the world. . . .

"There are thousands upon thousands, millions upon mil-

lions, who are now making their decision for eternal life or

eternal death. The man who is wholly absorbed in his counting

room, the man who finds pleasure at the gaming table, the man

who loves to indulge perverted appetite, the amusement lover,

the frequenters of the theater and the ballroom, put eternity out

of their reckoning. . . . They are not in the procession that is

moving heavenward. They are led by the great apostate, and

with him will be destroyed."—Testimonies, vol. 6, pp. 406, 407.



FURTHER STUDY



The Great Controversy,

pp. 636, 637, 640-642.

The Final Times

LESSON 1



❑

Tuesday

September 27

Part 3



According to the apostle Paul, Christians were not to expect

EXPECTED TIME the return of Christ until after the development of what apos-

tasy in the Christian church?

"Now we beseech you, brethren, . . that ye be not soon

shaken in mind, or be troubled ... as that the day of Christ is at

hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall

not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man

of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; who opposeth and

exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is wor-

shipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shew-

ing himself that

is God" (2 Thess. 2:1-4).

While the Christian must always live in daily reference to the

coming of Christ, yet God foretold that certain events would

take place in the earth before the actual advent.

"The apostle Paul warned the church not to look for the

coming of Christ in his day.... Not till after the great apostasy,

and the long period of the reign of the 'man of sin,' can we look

for the advent of our Lord. The 'man of sin,' which is also styled

'the mystery of iniquity,' the son of perdition,' and 'that wicked,'

represents the papacy, which, as foretold in prophecy, was to

maintain its supremacy for 1260 years. This period ended in

1798. The coming of Christ could not take place before that

time. Paul covers with his caution the whole of the Christian

dispensation down to the year 1798. It is this side of that time

that the message of Christ's second coming is to be

proclaimed."—The

Great Controversy,

p. 356.

What era of human suffering did Christ indicate would take

place before Christians could expect His return? Matt.

24:21, 22.

THINK IT THROUGH

"Between these two events [the destruction of Jerusalem and

the second advent], there lay open to Christ's view long cen-

turies of darkness, centuries for His church marked with blood

and tears and agony.... For more than a thousand years such

persecution as the world had never before known was to come

upon Christ's followers. Millions upon millions of His faithful

witnesses were to be slain."—The

Desire of Ages,

pp. 630, 631.

Why have Christians been told to "watch" for the return of

Christ, when it is clear from the prophecies that certain events

must first take place?

FURTHER STUDY



The Acts of the Apostles,

pp. 264-266.

The Final Times

LESSON 1



❑

Wednesday

September 28



Part 4



For what length of time did Daniel prophesy that the little

PROPHETIC horn (the Christian apostasy) would exercise supremacy over

TIME God's faithful followers?

"And he shall speak great words against the most High, and

shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change

times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a

time and times and the dividing of time" (Dan. 7:25).

The apostle Paul warned the Thessalonians not to expect the

advent of Christ until

after

the development of "the man of sin"

within the church. "He [Paul] proceeded to emphasize the fact

that the papal power, so clearly described by the prophet

Daniel, was yet to rise and wage war against God's people. Until

this power should have performed its deadly and blasphemous

work, it would be in vain for the church to look for the coming of

their Lord."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

p. 266.

An analysis of Daniel 7 provides the following data for iden-

tifying the little horn. (1)

Location

(verse 8): It would arise

among the nations of Western Europe. (2)

Time of rise

(verse

24): It would arise after the establishment of the nations of

Western Europe, that is, sometime subsequent to AD 476, the

date assigned for the disintegration of the Roman Empire in the

West. (3)

Nature of the horn

(verses 8, 20, 24): The horn is noted

as being, in some way different from the others. Comparison

with the beast of Revelation 13 shows that it is a religiopolitical

power. (4)

Actions of the horn

(verses 20, 21, 24, 25): This horn

subdues three of the other horns, speaks great words against

God, makes war upon His saints, and presumes to change His

times and laws. (5)

A time period

(verse 25). The horn would

exercise supremacy over God's people for "a time and times

and the dividing of times." This symbolic period of Daniel 7:25 is

1260 prophetic days (Rev. 12:6, 14), and thus 1260 years. (Com-

pare Eze. 4:6.)

These identifying marks point unerringly to only one power: a

religiopolitical system which arose on the ruins of the Western

Empire. Its leader legally recognized by law (Code of Justinian)

as the head of Christendom, the papacy sought and often suc-

ceeded to rule over Europe with great power during the Middle

Ages. Its special period of supremacy may be dated from AD 538

when freed from the last restricting Arian horn power (the Os-

trogoths) until 1798 when the French government invaded

Rome and declared the political rule of the papacy to be at an

end. All that was predicted was fulfilled by the papacy during

this extensive period.



THINK IT THROUGH



Why do you suppose God gave the church this detailed

information about the coming Christian apostasy?



FURTHER STUDY



The Great Controversy,

pp. 50-52, 266.

The Final Times

LESSON 1



❑

Thursday

September 29

Part 5



According to Daniel, the close of what era of persecution

TIME OF would mark the beginning of "the time of the end"?

THE END

"They that understand among the people shall instruct

many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captiv-

ity, and by spoil, many days.... And some of them of under-

standing shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them

white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time

appointed" (Dan. 11:33-35).

Note that "the time of the end" is

not

the end of time. Rather,

it is an appointed

period of time

extending from the close of the

era of papal supremacy (1798) until the end of human probation.

Since 1798 momentous events have been taking place in both

heaven and earth as the plan of salvation has moved into its final

phases. "Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet

him" (Matt. 25:6).

How should we be affected by the fact that we live in the

"time of the end"? 1 Thess. 5:1-10.

"We have reached the period foretold in these scriptures

[Dan. 12:4, 10; Luke 21:31, 34, 36]. The time of the end is come,

the visions of the prophets are unsealed, and their solemn

warnings point us to our Lord's coming in glory as near at hand.

"The Jews misinterpreted and misapplied the word of God,

and they knew not the time of their visitation. The years of the

ministry of Christ and His apostles,—the precious last years of

grace to the chosen people,—they spent in plotting the destruc-

tion of the Lord's messengers. Earthly ambitions absorbed

them, and the offer of the spiritual kingdom came to them in

vain. So today the kingdom of this world absorbs men's

thoughts, and they take no note of the rapidly fulfilling

prophecies and the tokens of the swift-coming kingdom of

God."

—The Desire of Ages,

p. 235.

THINK IT THROUGH



Why should events presently occurring both encourage as

well as sober me?

"The attention of the people should be called to the moment-

ous event which is so near at hand. The signs of the times

should be kept fresh before their minds. The prophetic visions

of Daniel and John foretell a period of moral darkness and

declension; but at the time of the end, the time in which we are

now living, the vision was to speak and not lie. When the signs

predicted begin to come to pass, the waiting, watching ones are

bidden to look up and lift up their heads and rejoice because

their redemption draweth

nigh."—Testimonies,

vol. 5, pp. 9, 10.

FURTHER STUDY



Testimonies,

vol. 9, pp. 11-17.

The Final Times

LESSON 1



❑

Friday

September 30



Part 6



What prophetic book was promised to be unsealed in the

PROPHECY AND period known as "the time of the end"?

TIME OF



THE END



"But thou, 0 Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book,

even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and

knowledge shall be increased."

"And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed

up and sealed till the time of the end" (Dan. 12:4, 9).

"Soon the eyes of many on both sides of the Atlantic were

fixed upon the next great designated event in the divine plan of

the centuries—the master 2300-year period was soon to end. In

fact, some 84 men in thirteen countries spread over four

continents—of which William Miller was but one—thought that

this fateful epoch would terminate about 1843, '44 or '47. . . .

"All felt that in some way it had to do with the prophesied 'end

events,' judgment scenes, the close of the gospel age, the Sec-

ond Advent, the end of the present world order. This was the

basic belief, first of the general Old World Advent Awakening,

and then of the distinctive New World Advent Movement of the

early decades of the nineteenth century. It was an unpre-

cedented concept and development in human thinking. It was

revolutionary in scope—another turning point in history."—L.

E. Froom,

Movement of Destiny

(Washington, DC: Review and

Herald, 1971), p. 44.

THINK IT THROUGH

How was the apostle John shown the opening of the pro-

phetic messages of Daniel and their promulgation to the world

in the time of the end? Rev. 10:1-11.

"The book that was sealed was not the book of Revelation,

but that portion of the prophecy of Daniel which related to the

last days. . . . The book of Daniel is now unsealed, and the

revelation made by Christ to John is to come to all the inhabi-

tants of the earth. By the increase of knowledge a people is to be

prepared to stand in the latter

days."—Selected Messages,

bk.

2, p. 105.

How clear are the prophetic messages of Daniel and Reve-

lation to me? Are they vitally affecting my experience?

"We are standing on the threshold of great and solemn

events. Many of the prophecies are about to be fulfilled in quick

succession. . . .

"Study Revelation in connection with Daniel.... We, with all

our religious advantages, ought to know far more today than we

know."—Testimonies to Ministers,

p. 116.

FURTHER STUDY



Prophets and Kings,

pp. 547, 548.

LESSON 2 October 2-8

"The times of this ignorance God

winked at; but now commandeth all

men every where to repent: because

he hath appointed a day, in the which

he will judge the world in

righteousness by that man whom he

hath ordained; whereof he hath given

assurance unto all men, in that he hath

raised him from the dead" (Acts 17:30,

31).

We cannot escape the fact that we

live in a moral universe. "There are

great principles of righteousness to

control the life of all intelligent beings,

and upon conformity to these

principles the well-being of the

universe depends."—Thoughts

From

the Mount of Blessing,

p. 48. Due to

the origin of the great controversy

over the authority of God, there will

come a day when every sinner must

give an account to his Sovereign, a day

of judgment.

This judgment involves all who have

at one time rebelled against the moral

authority of the Creator. It includes

Satan and the host of disloyal angels. It

involves the impenitent of the human

race who have aligned themselves on

the side of Satan. And it involves those

penitent sinners who have responded

to the saving grace of God. Every facet

of this final judgment is of extreme

interest to the loyal beings in the

universe, and all the issues will be

clearly understood by disloyal angels,

and by both the redeemed and

impenitent of the human race.

While the Scriptures speak of

ultimate judgment in general terms, it

is in the prophecies of Daniel that new

insights are revealed, particularly the

investigative phase of final judgment

which will take place in the heavenly

sanctuary before the return of Jesus.

The vision dealing with the time of this

phase and some of the issues involved

was sealed up until "the time of the

end." Then this prophetic portion of

Daniel was to be opened (Revelation

10), and knowledge about the

important events related to the

cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary

and the prophecies would be

increased (Dan. 12:4).

As we have seen from our previous

study, we are presently living in "the

time of the end." It is in this period

that the 2300-year period ended, and

the cleansing of the sanctuary (Dan.

8:14) is to be accomplished. What is

involved in this cleansing, and its

solemn significance for us is the theme

for our study this week. The seal has

been removed. It is God's will that the

end-time generation shall now fully

comprehend the issues involved.

DAILY HIGHLIGHTS

End-time Judgment

(Dan. 7:9, 10)

Angel Explanations

(Dan. 8:16, 17)

A Trampled Sanctuary

(Dan. 8:13, 14)

Forecasts of Messianic Mediation

(Dan. 9:24)

Issues in the Judgment—I

(Dan. 8:14)

Issues in the Judgment—II

(Rev. 3:5)

The Removal of a Seal

LESSON 2



Sunday

October 2



Part 1



What was Daniel shown would occur in heaven before

END-TIME Christ's second advent?

JUDGMENT

"I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of

days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of

his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame,

and his wheels as burning fire. A fiery stream issued and

came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered

unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before

him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened" (Dan.

7:9, 10).

The prophecy of Daniel 7 depicts the struggle for world

dominion and control—first by a series of political powers, and

then by a religiopolitical system. The climax is reached when

God intervenes, and in heaven's court of judgment the domin-

ion of this earth is awarded to Christ, the Son of man, and to His

people (verses 13, 14, 27).

After the careers of what five powers does this heavenly

judgment take place? Dan. 7:1-8.

Among Bible expositors there is general agreement that the

four beasts of chapter 7 represent

the same world powers de-

picted by the metal image of chapter 2: Babylon, Medo-Persia,

Grecia, and Rome. Chapter 7, however, introduces

two new

features: (1)

The little horn with the eyes and mouth of a man,

and (2) a pre-advent judgment in the court of heaven.

Recall Lesson 1, part 4. Since the pre-advent judgment is

shown by the prophecy to come after the 1260-year reign of

the little horn, it would take place after what date?

At some point of time subsequent to 1798 (after the period of

papal dominion in Europe), the heavenly court would convene.

Investigation would be made. The power of the little horn power

would be taken away (verse 26); Christ and the saints would take

the rulership of the kingdom (verses 13, 14, 27). Thus chapter 7

foretold that a great and solemn judgment will take place in

heaven during the "time of the end."



THINK IT THROUGH



Wickedness in all its unfairness appears to run rampant.

What does the pre-advent judgment tell us about God?

"There are limits even to the forbearance of God. The bound-

ary of His long-suffering may be reached, and then He will surely

punish. And when He does take up the case of the presumptu-

ous sinner, He will not cease till He has made a full end."—Ellen

G. White Comments,

SDA Bible Commentary,

vol. 3, p. 1166.



FURTHER STUDY



The Great Controversy,

pp. 479, 480.

The Removal of a Seal

LESSON 2



❑

Monday

October 3



Part 2



What prophecy was to have particular significance in the

ANGEL time of the end according to Gabriel?

EXPLANATIONS

"Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision. . . . He

said unto me, Understand, 0 son of man: for at the time of the

end shall be the vision" (Dan. 8:16, 17).

Two years after the vision of chapter 7 Daniel received

another as recorded in chapter 8. Although the latter vision

covers the same time period as in chapters 2 and 7, it especially

elaborates on the two new features of chapter 7: the little horn

and the pre-advent judgment. In the time of the end the meaning

of this judgment would be clarified.

What explanation did Gabriel give of the symbols of the ram,

goat, its large horn, and the four horns which came from the

stump of the former after Its breaking? Dan. 8:3-8, 20-22.

The fourth beast and its little horn (Daniel 7) are symbolized

in this vision (chapter 8) by a single horn. Describe its charac-

teristics. Dan. 8:9-12, 23-25.

Pagan and papal Rome have had so much in common that it is

reasonable to see the papacy as the "continuation" of the

pagan Roman Empire. In Daniel 8 this fact is represented by one

horn symbolizing the careers of

both pagan and papal Rome,

though some aspects of the prophecy may apply more fully to

one or the other.

Pagan Rome attacked the people of God, crucified the Mes-

siah (Prince of princes), and eventually destroyed the earthly

temple. Papal Rome has likewise persecuted the people of God

(Dan. 7:21), and has drawn attention away from Christ by impos-

ing a human priesthood upon the church. It has done this

through the confessional and the sacrifice of the mass. Thus

Rome has for centuries diverted the attention of the sinner from

the significance of Christ's atoning death and His mediatorial

ministry in the heavenly sanctuary (Heb. 7:25; 8:1, 2). In chang-

ing the divine law, in corrupting the prophetic voice of the

Scriptures, and in exalting the traditions of men above the Word

of God, Papal Rome has cast "truth" down to the ground. Pagan

Rome was destroyed by force of arms; spiritual Rome, however,

will be broken, not by human hands (Dan. 8:25), but by the

divine investigation and action in the heavenly judgment (Dan.

7:26), and by the glory of the second advent of Christ (2 Thess.

2:3-8).



THINK IT THROUGH



Although the Bible speaks against the system of the pa-

pacy, how should we regard individuals within the system?



FURTHER STUDY



The Great Controversy,

pp. 569, 570.

The Removal of a Seal

LESSON 2



❑

Tuesday

October 4

Part 3

A TRAMPLED

SANCTUARY

How long did a holy personage indicate the sanctuary would

be trampled upon?

"Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said

unto that certain saint which spake, How long shall be the

vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of

desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be

trodden under foot? And he said unto me, Unto two thousand

and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be

cleansed" (Dan. 8:13, 14).

Who had trampled upon the people of God and the

sanctuary? Dan. 8:9-12.

Daniel's concern naturally centered on the ruined temple in

Jerusalem. He became sick, overwhelmed with the foreboding

that the vision indicated a long delay in its restoration and the

end of the captivity.

But what sanctuary did the holy watcher have in mind? Daniel

lived to see Cyrus order the rebuilding of the temple in

Jerusalem, but that temple lost its significance at Calvary and

was obliterated in AD 70. Was Heaven's concern for an earthly

temple-sanctuary the ministry of which was done in types and

symbols? Or was God beginning to point His people to the

heavenly sanctuary where the Messiah would minister to indi-

viduals the benefits of His atonement, and where He would

finally resolve the issues in the great controversy? The fact that

the "little horn" of chapter 8 also represents the papal phase of

Rome (which functions in the Christian era) points us to the

heavenly sanctuary of the Christian dispensation.

At the close of what period of time did the holy one state the

sanctuary would be cleansed? Dan. 8:14.

In chapter 7 a court of judgment convening

in heaven

brought

the dominion of the papal horn to an end. Christ and His people

were awarded the kingdom. In chapter 8 the career of the little

horn in its papal phase of trampling upon God's people and the

priestly ministry of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary are brought

to an end by the cleansing of that sanctuary. Since both visions

cover the same area, it is logical to conclude that the cleansing

of the sanctuary (or, the restoration "to its rightful state," RSV)

and the pre-advent judgment in heaven are the same event: the

last phase of Christ's priestly ministry in the heavenly sanctuary.

This conclusion is confirmed by the fact that the earthly temple

with its symbolic service was not restored after AD 70.

FURTHER STUDY



The Great Controversy,

pp. 409-417.



The Removal



of a Seal

LESSON 2



❑

Wednesday

October 5



Part 4



At a certain point in the 490 years allotted to the Jews after

FORECASTS OF the reestablishment of Judah, what place was to be anointed?

MESSIANIC



MEDIATION



"Severity weeks of years are decreed concerning your

people and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to put an

end to sin, and to atone for iniquity, to bring in everlasting

righteousness, to seal both vision and prophet, and to anoint a

most holy place" (Dan. 9:24, RSV).

Although a period of twelve years elapsed between the vis-

ions of chapters 8 and 9 (550-538 BC), the two visions really

formed one unit. In Daniel 8 Gabriel did not explain the time

period of 2300 days and the cleansing of the sanctuary because

Daniel sickened and fainted. At his return Gabriel began by

explaining that a portion of the 2300 day-year period, namely

490 years, was to be allocated to the Jews during which time the

Messiah would come.

"To put an end to sin, and to atone for iniquity, to bring in

everlasting righteousness" are phrases that foretold the re-

demptive acts to be accomplished by the Messiah. His sinless

life and the supreme sacrifice on Calvary made possible the

final destruction of sin, instituted atonement for penitent sin-

ners, and provided righteousness through His merits.

"To anoint a most holy place" refers to the inauguration of

services in the heavenly sanctuary with Christ as its High Priest

when He was enthroned at the right hand of God at the time of

His ascension.(Compare Acts 2:33; 5:31; Rom. 8:34.) This is the

subject of the book of Hebrews. (See Heb. 8:1, 2.) The divine

spotlight thus shifts within the continuous vision of chapters 8

and 9 from an earthly typical sanctuary to the heavenly antitype.

The 70-week vision thereby pointed the nation to the redemp-

tive acts of Christon

earth,

and to the beginning of His ministra-

tion

in heaven

as man's High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary,

"the true tabernacle" (Heb. 8:2).

Whereas Gabriel pointed to the opening of the heavenly

sanctuary, what did David and Isaiah foretell about the Mes-

siah's priestly ministry? Ps. 110:1, 4. (Compare Matt.

22:42-45.)

Christ began His priestly mediation after His ascension into

heaven. What event does the prophecy indicate would begin

the 2300 days that would reach to Christ's final phase of

judgment

ministry" Dan. 8:14; 9:25.

Two thousand three hundred years traced from the fall of 457

BC (the time of the final decree) reaches to the fall of 1844.

FURTHER STUDY



The Great Controversy,

pp. 398, 399, 410.

The Removal of a Seal

LESSON 2



❑

Thursday

October 6

Part 5

ISSUES IN THE

JUDGMENT-I

What did Gabriel assure Daniel would take place at the

close of the 2300-year period?

"And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three

hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed" (Dan.

8:14).

"Then the sanctuary shall be restored to its rightful state"

(RSV); "shall emerge victorious" (NEB).

We have seen from our previous study that the end-time

prophecies of Daniel, chapters seven through nine, point our

attention to the heavenly sanctuary, the very center and throne

of the divine government. The final ministry of Christ as Priest

will result in vindicating both God and His people. The authority

of God will be restored to its rightful place. Heaven will emerge

victorious in the contest between good and evil.

Daniel 8 depicts the "little horn" in its papal phase as attack-

ing and defiling the heavenly sanctuary (verses 11-13). What

action does the heavenly sanctuary court take against this

power? Dan. 7:11, 26.

What is the significance of this sentence by the heavenly

sanctuary court?

The original controversy arose in the universe when Satan

challenged God's authority. Satan questioned the necessity of

the divine law which he desired to abolish. He questioned the

divine character and motives in requiring the intelligent crea-

tion to keep

His

law. He asserted his "right" to be independent

of God. He argued that God could not be both just and merciful,

and he disputed the authority of Christ. All these issues and

challenges Satan has continued to pursue and emphasize here

on earth through paganism, and especially through apostate

Christianity. The law of God has been both changed and tram-

pled under foot. The character of God has been maligned,

caricatured, and misunderstood. The life, teachings, and

mediatorial work of Christ have been misinterpreted and His

place usurped.

Since Satan isthe instigator behind all human operations that

are opposed to God, the judgment rendered by the heavenly

sanctuary court against the "little horn," is really the rendering

of a verdict of guilt against Satan himself, and the clearing of the

Godhead (with the assent of the loyal universe) from all the

charges originally made by Satan. Thus the supreme objective

is the vindication of God.



THINK IT THROUGH



In what way does knowing the outcome of the great con-

troversy affect my Christian experience?



FURTHER STUDY



Patriarchs and Prophets,

pp. 68, 69.

The Removal of a Seal

LESSON 2



❑

Friday

October 7



Part 6



What promise related to final judgment is made to those

ISSUES IN THE who fear God?

JUDGMENT-II

"He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white

raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life,

but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his

angels" (Rev. 3:5).

The prophecies of Daniel 7 and 8

indicate

that one aspect of

cleansing the sanctuary and restoring it to its rightful state

involves the condemning of the "little horn" and Satan and the

vindication of God. Also involved are those whose names have

been enrolled in the book of life. The books of Leviticus and

Hebrews show that one phase of the final ministry of Christ is

the blotting out of the records of the sins of all who have

accepted Jesus Christ.

What do the parables of the wheat and tares and of the net

suggest as one reason for the pre-advent judgment of all who

are recorded in the book of life? Matt. 13:24-30, 36-43, 47-50.

It must be kept in mind that all phases of final judgment

(pre-advent investigative phase, review phase during the mil-

lennium, executive phase at the close of the millennium) are not

for the sake of God who is omniscient. These are for the intelli-

gent universe—the unfallen beings, the redeemed, and finally

the impenitent—that all may fully understand the issues in the

great controversy and be fully satisfied with the rightness of

God and the wrongness of Satan and sin.

According to the parable of the wedding garment, what

question would be raised if sinners were taken into heaven?

See Matt. 22:2, 10-13.

The fact that books of record (Dan. 7:10; Rev. 20:12) are used

in the phases of judgment indicate that although sin may be

confessed and forgiven, the records are retained. The records

thus reveal the penitent's sins, but they also reveal that he has

laid hold of the merits of Christ and is trusting in Him. Records

can vindicate as well as condemn. Those found clothed in

Christ's righteousness will have their names retained in the

book of life, and the record of their sins will be blotted out. By

the judgment both God and His people will be vindicated and

freed from the accusations of Satan.



THINK IT THROUGH



Why do you think God has extended the final judgment

through three phases? What does it tell us about God?



FURTHER STUDY



The Great Controversy,

pp. 483-485.

LESSON 3 October 9-15

3.END-TINE

CELE

"There shall be signs in the sun, and

in the moon, and in the stars; and

upon the earth distress of nations,

with perplexity; the sea and the waves

roaring; men's hearts failing them for

fear, and for looking after those things

which are coming on the earth: for the

powers of heaven shall be shaken"

(Luke 21:25, 26).

The main thrust of our study this

week relates to the signs Jesus said

would occur in the heavens prior to

His return. Displayed on the gigantic

signboard of the sky, the signs in the

sun, moon, and stars are important

events in "the time of the end" period.

These heralded and continue to herald

the coming of Christ.

Jesus' discussion of these celestial

events is part of His conversation with

the apostles on the Mount of Olives a

few days before His death. Due to

their concern to know more about the

destruction of the temple and of His

return, Christ mingled His description

of the events leading up to each. In

one sense, the fall ofthe nation was a

type of the destruction of the world.

"The Jewish nation was a symbol of

the people of all ages who scorn the

pleadings of Infinite Love. The tears of

Christ when He wept over Jerusalem

were for the sins of all time. In the

judgments pronounced upon Israel,

those who reject the reproofs and

warnings of God's Holy Spirit may

read their own condemnation."

—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 587.

To get the setting for the particular

events to be studied this week, the

reader will find it helpful to read the

Master's prophecy in its entirety as

recorded in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and

Luke 21:5-38. The full chapter, "On

the Mount of Olives," in

The Desire of

Ages,

pp. 627-636, will also prove

helpful. While the sign events of the

destruction of Jerusalem and of the

end of the world are similar,

Matthew's account follows a definite

progression. Matthew 24:1-14 deals

primarily with religious, political, and

natural events which would occur

before the destruction of the nation of

Israel. These will be repeated before

the second advent. Verses 15-20 touch

on the fall of the nation, followed by a

brief sweep of the era of persecution

known as the Dark Ages (verses 21-23).

A few words are said about the

manner

of His return (verses 23-28). Then

Christ announces the celestial signs

followed by the actual advent (verses

29-31). The remainder of the chapter

deals with Christ's appeal to His

people to watch and to be ready for

His return (verses 32-51).

Nearly a century and a half have

elapsed since the last of the celestial

signs, and the Lord has not yet

returned. This has led some to

question the validity of the celestial

phenomena and to wonder about

their relevancy for modern Christians.

Others ask, Why does Christ delay His

coming?

DAILY HIGHLIGHTS

Divine Design

(Gen. 1:14)

Divine Forecast

(Matt. 24:3)

Dark Valley

(Matt. 24:21, 22)

Heralds of the Dawn-1

(Joel 2:30, 31)

Heralds of the Dawn—II

(Rev. 6:13)

A Delayed Morning

(Matt. 24:32-34)

End-time Celestial Signs

LESSON 3



❑

Sunday

October 9



Part 1



For what purposes did the Creator make the sun, moon, and

DIVINE DESIGN stars?

"And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the

heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for

signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years" (Gen. 1:14).

It was the Creator's design to use the celestial orbs at times in

such a manner as to arrest attention and to focus it upon His

presence and mighty acts in the affairs of mankind.

What is the first recorded instance of God's use of the sun to

show His power over creation? Joshua 10:12-14.

"This mighty miracle testifies that the creation is under the

control of the Creator. Satan seeks to conceal from men the

divine agency in the physical world—to keep out of sight the

unwearied working of the first great cause. In this miracle all

who exalt nature above the God of nature stand rebuked."—

Patriarchs and Prophets,

p. 509.

Through what sky wonder did God create an interest in His

truth in ancient Babylon? 2 Kings 20:8-12; 2 Chron. 32:31.

"Their king, Merodachbaladan, upon learning that this mira-

cle had been wrought as a sign to the king of Judah that the God

of heaven had granted him a new lease of life, sent ambassadors

... to learn, if possible, more of the God who was able to perform

so great a

wonder."—Prophets and Kings,

p. 344.

What supernatural event occurred during the last three

hours of Christ's life? Matt. 27:45.

"There was no eclipse or other natural cause for this dark-

ness, which was as deep as midnight without moon or stars. It

was a miraculous testimony given by God that the faith of after

generations might be confirmed."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 753.



THINK IT THROUGH



It is evident that God often creates favorable opportunities

for witnessing. How may I respond effectively?

"Those with whom we associate day by day need our help, our

guidance. They may be in such a condition of mind that a word

spoken in season will be as a nail in a sure place. Tomorrow

some of these souls may be where we can never reach them

again. What is our influence over these fellow travelers?"

—Prophets and Kings,

p. 348.



FURTHER STUDY



Patriarchs and Prophets,

pp. 508, 509.

End-time Celestial Signs

LESSON 3



❑

Monday

October 10



Part 2



In response to Jesus' prediction that the temple would be

DIVINE FORECAST destroyed, what question did the disciples later ask?

"As he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came

unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things

be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of

the world?" (Matt. 24:3).

"Jesus did not answer His disciples by taking up separately

the destruction of Jerusalem and the great day of His coming.

He mingled the description of these two ... crises, leaving the

disciples to study out the meaning for themselves. When He

referred to the destruction of Jerusalem, His prophetic words

reached beyond that event to the final conflagration. . . . This

entire discourse was given, not for the disciples only, but for

those who should live in the last scenes of this earth's

history."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 628.

List the events Jesus said would precede the fall of

Jerusalem. Matt. 24:4-14.

The activities of false messiahs and prophets, wars and strife,

natural calamities, persecution, waning spiritual fervor, and at

the same time the widespread advances of the gospel message

occurred before the fall of the Jewish nation. Similar events will

be repeated before the second advent of our Lord.

What was to be the immediate signal that the city was about

to be destroyed and the nation scattered? Luke 21:20-23.

What had Jesus foretold a few days earlier in tears about

the city and the nation? Luke 19:41-44.

"Jesus, looking down to the last generation, saw the world

involved in a deception similar to that which caused the de-

struction of Jerusalem. The great sin of the Jews was their

rejection of Christ; the great sin of the Christian world would be

their rejection of the law of God, the foundation of His govern-

ment in heaven and earth."—The

Great Controversy,

p. 22.



THINK IT THROUGH



What lesson may I learn from Israel's experience which

would prevent me from presuming on God's mercies and tri-

fling away my day of grace?

"While the man of business is absorbed in the pursuit of gain,

while the pleasure lover is seeking indulgence, while the daugh-

ter of fashion is arranging her adornments—it may be in that

hour the Judge of all the earth will pronounce the sentence."—

The Great Controversy,

p. 491.



FURTHER STUDY



The Desire of Ages,

pp. 627-630, 633.

End-time Celestial Signs

LESSON 3



❑

Tuesday

October 11

Part 3

DARK VALLEY

After foretelling the fall of the nation of Israel, the Saviour

next referred to what long period of suffering?

"Then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the

beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And

except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh

be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be short-

ened" (Matt. 24:21, 22).

Because of its proximity to His remarks on the fall of

Jerusalem, some commentators hold that the "great tribula-

tion" refers to the distress the Jews suffered by the Roman

conquest in AD 70. However, terrible as that siege was, it would

not be correct to say that its tribulation was greater than any

before it or after it. Nor did the war involve "the elect," that is,

Christians, since they obeyed Christ's warning and saved their

lives by fleeing. Rather, the prophetic glance of the Saviour

rested briefly on that persecution which His people were to

endure as Daniel had foretold.

"For more than a thousand years such persecution as the

world had never before known was to come upon Christ's fol-

lowers. Millions upon millions of His faithful witnesses were to

be slain. Had not God's hand been stretched out to preserve His

people, all would have perished."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 631.

What development among Christians prepared the way for

this era of persecution? Acts 20:29, 30; 1 Tim. 4:1; 2 Thess. 2:

1-4.

"This compromise between paganism and Christianity re-

sulted in the development of 'the man of sin' foretold in

prophecy as opposing and exalting himself above God. That

gigantic system of false religion is a masterpiece of Satan's

power."—The

Great Controversy,

p. 50.

How long was the dark night of control by the Christian

apostasy to last? Dan. 7:25. (Compare Rev. 12:6, 14; 13:5.)

"Popery had become the world's despot. Kings and emperors

bowed to the decrees of the Roman pontiff. The destinies of

men, both for time and for eternity, seemed under his control."

—The Great Controversy,

p. 60.



THINK IT THROUGH



How may I best prepare myself for the persecution foretold

in Revelation 13?



FURTHER STUDY



The Great Controversy,

pp. 621-623.

End-time Celestial Signs

LESSON 3

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❑

Wednesday

October 12

Part 4



What wonders in the heavens did the prophet Joel predict

HERALDS OF would occur before the ultimate day of the Lord comes?

THE DAWN—I

THINK IT THROUGH

"I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood,

and fire, and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into

darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the

terrible day of the Lord come" (Joel 2:30, 31).

In its larger context (verses 28-32) Peter saw a fulfillment of

this ancient prophecy on the day of Pentecost. (See Acts 2:16-

21.) But Pentecost must be regarded as only a partial fulfillment,

for the "great and notable day of the Lord" is yet future.

In relationship to what period of time did Christ more pre-

cisely locate the occurrence of these signs? Matt. 24:29, 30.

(Compare Mark 13:24, 25.)

"The 1260 days, or years, terminated in 1798. A quarter of a

century earlier, persecution had almost wholly ceased. Follow-

ing this persecution, according to the words of Christ, the sun

was to be darkened. On the 19th day of May, 1780, this prophecy

was fulfilled."—The

Great Controversy,

p. 306.

"May 19, 1780, stands in history as 'The Dark Day.' Since the

time of Moses no period of darkness of equal density, extent,

and duration, has ever been recorded."—The

Great Con-

troversy,

p. 308

"It has long been pointed out that it is the

fact,

and not the

cause,

of the darkness that is significant ... as also in the case of

earthquakes, falling stars, and other events seen as signs of the

times. When the Lord would open a path for his people through

the sea, he did it by 'a strong east wind.' Ex. 14:21. Was it for this

reason any less miraculous? In like manner, to account for the

remarkable darkening of the sun and moon or of the falling stars

as events in nature is not to discredit them as merciful signs of

the approaching end of probationary time."—SDA

Source

Book,

Editors' Note, Item 571, p. 317.

A small cloud was sufficient evidence to Elijah that God

would send rain, and he acted accordingly (1 Kings 18:42-46).

How does the dark day event affect me? In order to motivate

me to a better life, how much evidence must I have to inspire

faith in the imminence of Christ's second advent.

"He [Elijah] did not wait for the full evidence that God had

heard him, but was willing to venture all on the slightest token of

divine favor. And yet what he was enabled to do under God, all

may do in their sphere of activity in God's service."—Prophets

and Kings,

p. 157.

FURTHER STUDY



The Great Controversy,

pp. 306-308.

End-time Celestial Signs

LESSON 3



❑

Thursday

October 13

Part 5

HERALDS OF THE

DAWN—II

THINK IT THROUGH

How did John describe the falling of the stars as foretold by

both Joel and Jesus?

"The stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree

casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty

wind" (Rev. 6:13).

On November 13, 1833, there occurred what is still recorded

as the most magnificent meteor shower ever witnessed. This

great display of celestial fireworks was witnessed from Canada

to Mexico, and from mid-Atlantic to the Pacific. Darting away

from a single point in the sky—in the constellation of Leo—the

meteors were thrown like the unripe figs of the prophetic de-

scription.

What significance does this particular sign have? Mark

13:24-26.

"Christ had pointed out some of the most important events in

the history of the world and of the church from His first to His

second advent; namely, the destruction of Jerusalem, the great

tribulation of the church under pagan and papal persecutions,

the darkening of the sun and moon, and the falling of the stars.

After this He spoke of His coming in His kingdom."—The

Great

Controversy,

p. 393.

"In 1833, . . . the last of the signs appeared which were

promised by the Saviour as tokens of His second advent. Said

Jesus: 'The stars shall fall from heaven.' Matthew 24:29. .

"Thus was displayed the last of those signs of His coming

concerning which Jesus bade His disciples: 'When ye shall see

all these things,

know

that it is near, even at the doors.' Matthew

24:33."—The

Great Controversy,

pp. 333, 334.

Nearly a century and a half has passed since the 1833

falling of the stars. What Is the tendency of the human heart

when delay in a cherished hope seems apparent? Eze. 12:22, 23.

The inhabitants of Judah mocked the reliability of the pro-

phetic predictions made regarding that nation in the sixth cen-

tury BC. Their attitude reflects the common tendency of the

human mind in its impatience.

How can I keep my hope bright In spite of delay In seeing the

fulfillment of the promised return?

"The long night of gloom is trying; but the morning is de-

ferred in mercy, because if the Master should come, so many

would be found unready. God's unwillingness to have His

people perish has been the reason for so long delay."—

Testimonies,

vol. 2, p. 194.

FURTHER STUDY



The Great Controversy,

pp. 333, 334.

End-time Celestial Signs

LESSON 3



❑

Friday

October 14

Part 6



As He concluded His portrayal of signs that would precede

A DELAYED both the fall of Jerusalem and His advent, what did Jesus wish

MORNING His followers to know?

"Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet

tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:

so likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that It

is near, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, This genera-

tion shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled" (Matt.

24:32-34).

In His prophecy Christ intermingled two events: (1) the fall of

Jerusalem, and (2) His second coming and the end of the world.

The designation "this generation" was Christ's description of

His contemporaries (compare Matt. 11:16; 17:17). With refer-

ence to the destruction of Jerusalem, the phrase would denote

the Jews then living—they would see that terrible tragedy. It

occurred only 39 years later in AD 70.

The phrase "this generation" has had several interpretations.

One is that it refers to those persons who have seen the comple-

tion of all the signs mentioned, including those on the earth.

Another possible explanation is that in the providence of God,

probationary time could have been concluded at some point

after 1844 (the last prophetic date and the investigative phase of

judgment in heaven), but within the lifetime of the generation

witnessing the last of the celestial signs.

What hints of probable delay In the advent are given by

Christ In His prophecy? Matt. 24:48; 25:1, 5.

"It

is true that time has continued longer than we expected in

the early days of this message. Our Saviour did not appear as

soon as we hoped. But has the word of the Lord failed? Never! It

should be remembered that the promises and threatenings of

God are alike conditional."—Selected

Messages,

bk. 1, p. 67.

THINK IT THROUGH

What is Peter's explanation to last-day scoffers for a de-

layed advent? 2 Peter 3:3, 4, 8-10.

"It [the coming of the Lord] will not tarry past the time that the

message is borne to all nations, tongues, and peoples. Shall we

. forget that God's forbearance to the wicked is a part of the

vast and merciful plan by which He is seeking to compass the

salvation of

souls?"—Evangelism,

p. 697.

Did the 40 years of wandering nullify God's promise to settle

Israel in Canaan? Why does the delay in the advent not nullify

the certainty of Christ's return and kingdom?

FURTHER STUDY



Selected Messages,

bk. 1, pp. 66-69.

LESSON 4 October 16-22

4.THE ENDi•TIME CHURCH

"Arise, shine; for thy light is come,

and the glory of the Lord is risen upon

thee. For, behold, the darkness shall

cover the earth, and gross darkness

the people: but the Lord shall arise

upon thee, and his glory shall be seen

upon thee" (Isa. 60:1, 2).

This ringing appeal to the ancient

Hebrews to prepare the world for the

first advent of Christ is likewise

applicable to God's people living in

the time of the end. (See

Prophets and

Kings,

pp. 717, 718.) The moral

darkness grows increasingly deeper as

the end approaches. In such a

sli

condition the Christian may shine

even more effectively.

The New Testament views the

hurch in the time of the end from

different angles. This week's study will

survey these perspectives. Jesus

challenged the end-time church to be

a watching church. He save the

parables of the ten virgins and the

talents to show how the church should

be prepared for His coming, and

actively engaged in His service

according to the several abilities of its

members.

In His messages to the seven

churches in Revelation 2 and 3 Jesus

appealed to His end-time church to

repent of its sins and to arouse from its

lethargy. Finally, John was shown in

the visions on Patmos the worldwide

movement of the end-ti me chu rch as it

would herald the everlasting gospel.

John saw the earth lightened with

s iritual glory as the church gave

od's last invitation of grace.

"The church is God's appointed

agency for the salvation of men. It was

organized for service, and its mission

is to carry the gospel to the world.

From the beginning it has been God's

plan that through His church shall be

reflected to the world His fullness and

His sufficiency. The members of the

church, those whom He has called out

of darkness into His marvelous light,

are to show forth His glory. The church

is the repository of the riches of the

grace of Christ; and through the

church will eventually be made

manifest, even to 'the principalities

and powers in heavenly places,' the

final and full display of the love of

God. Ephesians 3:10."

"Through centuries of persecution,

conflict, and darkness, God has

sustained His church. Not one cloud

has fallen upon it that He has not

prepared for; not one opposing force

has risen to counterwork His work,

that He has not foreseen. All has taken

place as He predicted. He has not left

His church forsaken, but has traced in

prophetic declarations what would

occur, and that which His Spirit

inspired the prophets to foretell has

been brought about. All His purposes

will be fulfilled. His law is linked with

His throne, and no power of evil can

destroy it. Truth is inspired and

guarded by God; and it will triumph

over all opposition."—The

Acts of the

Apostles,

pp. 9, 11, 12.

DAILY

HIGHLIGHTS

A Call to Vigilance

(Matt. 24:42, 44)

Preparedness Illustrated—I

(Matt. 25:1)

Preparedness Illustrated—II

(Matt. 25:4, 6, 10)

A Call for Every-member

Participation (Matt. 25:14, 15)

A Call to Repentance

(Rev. 3:14, 15, 19)

The Church's End-time Message

(Rev. 14:6-14)

The End-time Church

LESSON 4



❑

Sunday

October 16



Part 1



As Jesus concluded His predictions regarding His return,

A CALL TO what appeal did He make to the disciples which is especially

VIGILANCE applicable to the church in "the time of the end"?

"Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth

come."

"Therefore be ye also ready; for in such an hour as ye think

not the Son of man cometh" (Matt. 24:42, 44).

The Greek word translated "watch" literally means "be

awake" or "keep awake." Figuratively, it means to "be on the

alert," or "be vigilant." The apostle Paul commands, "Let us not

sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober" (1 Thess.

5:6). By this he means, Be not spiritually sleepy, lazy, or indif-

ferent, but rather be on the alert with regard to your personal

salvation and that of others.

What are some of the conditions which may cause a Chris-

tian to become sleepy and indifferent to his spiritual needs in

the end-time? Luke 21:34-36; Matt. 24:48-51.

"The evil servant says in his heart, 'My lord delayeth his

coming.' He does not say that Christ will not come. He does not

scoff at the idea of His second coming. But in his heart and by

his actions and words he declares that the Lord's coming is

delayed. He banishes from the minds of others the conviction

that the Lord is coming quickly. His influence leads men to

presumptuous, careless delay. They are confirmed in their

worldliness and stupor.... The evil servant eats and drinks with

the drunken, unites with the world in pleasure seeking. He

smites his fellow servants, accusing and condemning those

who are faithful to their Master. He mingles with the world. Like

grows with like in transgression. It is a fearful assimilation. With

the world he is taken in the snare."—The

Desire of Ages,

p.635.

What garment may the Christian lose in this critical period if

he fails to watch? Rev. 16:15. (Compare Matt. 22:11.)

How may the Christian best keep himself spiritually awake

at all times? Eph. 6:14; 1 Peter 1:13; Matt. 26:41.

"None but those who have fortified the mind with the truths of

the Bible will stand through the last great conflict."

—The Great

Controversy,

pp. 593, 594.



THINK IT THROUGH



Satan knows that his time is short (Rev. 12:12), and seeks

my personal destruction (1 Peter 5:8). What am I doing to

thwart his approaches?



FURTHER STUDY



The Desire of Ages,

pp. 634-636.

The End-time Church

LESSON 4



❑

Monday

October 17



Part 2



"Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten

PREPAREDNESS virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the

ILLUSTRATED—I bridegroom" (Matt. 25:1).

Read the full parable in verses 1 through 13.

"Chapter 25 opens with the words:

'Then

shall the kingdom of

heaven be likened unto ten virgins.' Here is brought to view the

church living in the last days, the same that is pointed out in the

close of chapter 24. In this parable their experience is illustrated

by the incidents of an Eastern marriage."

—The Great Con-

troversy,

p. 393.

List the aspects in which these ten young women are simi-

lar. What is represented by the lamps and oil? Ps. 119: 105.

(Compare Isa. 60:1.)

What failure in preparation does Jesus note in the foolish

virgins long before the crisis exposed their true condition?

Matt. 25:3.

"The class represented by the foolish virgins are not hypo-

crites. They have a regard for the truth, they have advocated the

truth, they are attracted to those who believe the truth; but they

have not yielded themselves to the Holy Spirit's working. They

have not fallen upon the Rock, Christ Jesus, and permitted their

old nature to be broken up. This class are represented also by

the stony-ground hearers. They receive the word with readi-

ness, but they fail of assimilating its principles.. . . The foolish

virgins have been content with a superficial work."

—Christ's

Object Lessons,

p. 411.

Why are the foolish virgins unable at the final crisis to obtain

oil from their wiser companions? Matt. 25:8, 9. (Compare Eze.

14:20.)

"In spiritual things no man can make up another's deficiency.

The grace of God has been freely offered to every soul.... But

character is not transferable. No man can believe for another.

... No man can impart to another the character which is the fruit

of the Spirit's working."—Christ's

Object Lessons,

pp. 411, 412.



THINK IT THROUGH



How do I regard my personal religious faith? Is it a belief to

which I merely give assent, or is it a way of life which affects

my thoughts and actions even in a crisis?



FURTHER STUDY



Christ's Object Lessons,

"To Meet the Bridegroom," pp.

405-413.

3-ASS L 4-77

The End-time Church

LESSON 4



❑

Tuesday

October 18

Part 3



What did the foresight and preparedness of the wise virgins

PREPAREDNESS enable them to do when the bridegroom finally came?

ILLUSTRATED—II

"The wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps."

"And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bride-

groom cometh; go ye out to meet him."

"And they that were ready went in with him to the marriage:

and the door was shut" (Matt. 25:4, 6, 10).

The darkness in the parable represents the moral darkness

that envelops mankind. At what point in this moral gloom

does the parable suggest Jesus will return? Verse 6.

"It is the darkness of misapprehension of God that is en-

shrouding the world. Men are losing their knowledge of His

character."—Christ's

Object Lessons,

p. 415.

"The coming of the bridegroom was at midnight—Ahe darkest

hour. So the coming of Christ will take place in the darkest

period of this earth's history."—Christ's

Object Lessons,

p. 414.

Through the deepening moral darkness until the Bride-

groom arrives, the lamps of the wise continue to burn. What

does their burning symbolize? See Matt. 5:14-16; Phil. 2:15.

"Their light burned with undimmed flame through the night

of watching. It helped to swell the illumination for the bride-

groom's honor. Shining out in the darkness, it helped to illumi-

nate the way to the home of the bridegroom, to the marriage

feast. . . .

"Those who wait for the Bridegroom's coming are to say to

the people, 'Behold your God.' The last rays of merciful light, the

last message of mercy to be given to the world, is a revelation of

His character of love. The children of God are to manifest His

glory. In their own life and character they are to reveal what the

grace of God has done for them."

—Christ's Object Lessons,

pp.

414-416.

THINK IT THROUGH

FURTHER STUDY

If the lamp of my Christian experience is flickering, growing

dim because of a worldly life-style, who will guide lost souls of

my acquaintance to the kingdom?

"It is the love of God continually transferred to man that

enables him to impart light. Into the hearts of all who are united

to God by faith the golden oil of love flows freely, to shine out

again in good works, in real, heartfelt service for God."—

Christ's Object Lessons,

p. 419.

Christ's Object Lessons,

"To Meet the Bridegroom," pp.

414-421.

The End-time Church

LESSON 4



❑

Wednesday

October 19



Part 4



What parable did Jesus tell to indicate how His church was

A CALL FOR to "watch" in the time of the end?

EVERY-MEMBER



PARTICIPATION



"The kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far

country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto

them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another

two, and to another one; to every man according to his several

ability; and straightway took his journey" (Matt. 25:14, 15).

The "talents" in the parable are monies which have been

entrusted to the servants, but they represent the gifts of the

Spirit.

"Then He showed what it means to watch for His coming. The

time is to be spent, not in idle waiting, but in diligent working.

This lesson He taught in the parable of the talents. . . .

"Christ's followers have been redeemed for service. Our Lord

teaches that the true object of life is ministry. . . . By living to

minister for others, man is brought into connection with Christ.

The law of service becomes the connecting link which binds us

to God and to our fellow

men."—Christ's Object Lessons,

pp.

325, 326.

In a similar parable, what instruction is given the church

while it awaits Christ's return? Luke 19:12, 13.

What divine obligation rests upon us as Christians whether

our abilities be many or few? 1 Peter 4:10.

"The Lord will not require from those who are poor that which

they have not to give; He will not require from the sick the active

energies which bodily weakness forbids. No one need mourn

because he cannot glorify God with talents that were never

entrusted to him. But if you have only one talent, use it well, and

it will accumulate. If the talents are not buried, they will gain yet

other talents."—Ellen G. White Comments,

SDA Bible Com-

mentary,

vol. 5, p. 1100.

How does Paul illustrate God's design for cooperative, un-

selfish effort on the part of each Christian according to his

ability? 1 Cor. 12:12-18, 26, 27.



THINK IT THROUGH



As I analyze my gifts, is there any way in which I could more

effectively work for God in this end time?

"Let a living faith run like threads of gold through the per-

formance of even the smallest duties. . . . This is true

sanctification."—Christ's

Object Lessons,

p. 360.



FURTHER STUDY



Christ's Object Lessons,

"Talents," pp. 325-328.

The End-time Church

LESSON 4



❑

Thursday

October 20

Part 5



"Unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; ... I

A CALL TO know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou

REPENTANCE wert cold or hot."

"As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous there-

fore, and repent" (Rev. 3:14, 15, 19).

It must never be forgotten that while the church in the time of

the end is the object of Heaven's interest and concern, it is also

the object of Satan's wrath (Rev. 12:17). This wrath will be seen

not only in persecution, but also in more subtle ways. Satan will

influence the church to be self-satisfied and complacent.

Spiritual drowsiness will blind a complacent believer to his true

need. To give up the faith under pressure or to lose it in a

spiritual stupor—the result is the same, and Satan achieves his

objective.

What attitude of mind would permeate the church in the time

of the end according to Jesus? Rev. 3:16, 17.

"As a people we are triumphing in the clearness and strength

of the truth. We are fully sustained in our positions by an over-

whelming amount of plain Scriptural testimony. But we are very

much wanting in Bible humility, patience, faith, love, self-denial,

watchfulness, and the spirit of sacrifice. We need to cultivate

Bible holiness. Sin prevails among the people of God.... Many

cling to their doubts and their darling sins while they are in so

great a deception as to talk and feel that they are in need of

nothing."—Testimonies,

vol. 3, p. 253.

What does the Heavenly Merchant offer to sell to the self-

righteous in Laodicea that will truly enrich them? Rev. 3:18.

What does He offer to do? Verse 20.

In reality, what do these items represent? Compare James

2:5 with Gal. 5:6. Compare Matt. 22:11 with Ise. 61:10.

THINK IT THROUGH

What response ought the church to make to Jesus' appeal

as it faces the ultimate day of the Lord? Joel 2:12, 13.

"Could the curtain be rolled back, could you discern the

purposes of God and the judgments that are about to fall upon a

doomed world, could you see your own attitude, you would fear

and tremble for your own souls and for the souls of your fellow

men. Earnest prayers of heart-rending anguish would go up to

heaven. You would weep between the porch and the altar,

confessing your spiritual blindness and backsliding."—

Testimonies,

vol. 6, p. 408.

FURTHER STUDY



Testimonies,

vol. 3, pp. 252-256.

The End-time Church

LESSON 4



❑

Friday

October 21



Part 6



What special messages does prophecy indicate will be

THE CHURCH'S preached in the time of the end?

END-TIME



MESSAGE



"And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having

the everlasting gospel... saying with a loud voice, Fear God,

and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come:.. :

And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen.

... And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice,

If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his

mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the

wine of the wrath of God.... And I looked, and behold a white

cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man"

(Rev. 14:6-14).

"Christ is coming the second time, with power unto salvation.

To prepare human beings for this event, He has sent the first,

second, and third angels' messages. These angels represent

those who receive the truth, and with power open the gospel to

the world."—Ellen G. White Comments,

SDA Bible Commen-

tary, vol.

7, pp. 978, 979.

What aspect of the message has been preached by the

church in all ages? Rev. 14:6, first part.

What particular aspects will be emphasized in the church's

final witness to the world? Rev. 14:7-11.

How extensively will the church promulgate these last mes-

sages? Rev. 14:6, last part.

At some point near the close of human probation, what

added emphasis will be given to the preaching of the three

messages? What final call will be made? Rev. 18:1-4.

"As the third message swells to a loud cry, and as great power

and glory attend the closing work, the faithful people of God will

partake of that glory. It is the latter rain which revives and

strengthens them to pass through the time of trouble. Their

faces will shine with the glory of that light which attends the

third angel. . . .

"I have no specific time of which to speak when the outpour-

ing of the Holy Spirit will take place—when the mighty angel will

come down from heaven, and unite with the third angel in

closing up the work for this world; my message is that our only

safety is in being ready for the heavenly refreshing, having our

lamps trimmed and burning."—Ellen G. White Comments,

SDA

Bible Commentary, vol.

7, p. 984.



THINK IT THROUGH



How may I personally prepare for the latter rain?



FURTHER STUDY



The Great Controversy,

pp. 603-612.

LESSON 5 October 23-29

"The nations were angry, and thy

wrath is come, and the time of the

dead, that they should be judged, and

that thou shouldest give reward unto

thy servants the prophets, and to the

saints, and them that fear thy name,

small and great; and shouldest destroy

them which destroy the earth" (Rev.

11:18).

"I saw that the anger of the nations,

the wrath of God, and the time to

judge the dead were separate and

distinct, one following the

other."—Early

Writings,

p. 36.

The "wrath of God" refers to the

"seven last plagues" (Rev. 15:1). Since

the mediatorial ministry of Christ

ceases before the plagues fall (Rev.

15:5-8), "the time of the dead, that

they should be judged" refers to the

executive phase of the judgment at the

close of the millennium. At that time

the wicked will be resurrected and will

stand at the judgment bar to receive

their reward of eternal death

(Rev.

20:11-15; 2 Cor. 5:10).

The focus of our lesson this week,

however, is on the conditions among

the nations of earth in "the time of the

end" prior to the outpouring of the

wrath of God in the last plagues.

According to John's prophetic word,

the nations in the end-time will be in a

state of angry frustration. The picture

suggests international distress from

various causes, an unsettled, unstable

situation.

"We are standing on the threshold

of great and solemn events.

Prophecies are fulfilling. Strange and

eventful history is being recorded in

the books of heaven—events which it

was declared should shortly precede

the great day of God. Everything in the

world is in an unsettled state. The

nations are angry."—Selected

Messages,

bk. 1, p. 221.

This week we shall see that

prophecy has foretold that "the time

of the end" would be a crisis-ridden

era, but that the divine hand would

restrain the nations from a final

holocaust until God's last-day

message has been given to all. We will

also observe the prophetic insight that

much of the world's final years of

anguish are due to the frenzied

operation of devils who seek to

subvert the divine plan and to destroy

mankind.

Finally, we will reexamine the

Christian's relationship to civil

authorities in these trying times of

unrest, and how, in spite

global

distress, he is invited to build a useful

and unselfish life upon the foundation

of Jesus Christ and His Word.

DAILY HIGHLIGHTS

A Crisis-ridden Era

(Rev. 7:1)

Spiritual Concerns and Strife

(Rev. 7:2, 3)

World Anguish

(Luke 21:25, 26)

Devil-caused Distress

(Rev. 12:12)

Christians and Governments

(Rom. 13:1, 2, 5)

Floods and Foundations

(Matt. 7:24, 25)

Global Distress

LESSON 5



❑

Sunday

October 23

Part 1



What prophetic picture is drawn which depicts the ebb and

A CRISIS- flow of war and peace among the nations in the time of the

RIDDEN ERA end?

"After these things I saw four angels standing on the four

corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that

the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on

any tree" (Rev. 7:1).

Revelation 7 is a parenthetical interlude between the sixth

and seventh seals. It provides the answer to the question, "Who

shall be able to stand?" (Rev. 6:17). The sixth seal covers the

events of a great earthquake, the darkening of the sun and

moon, the falling of the stars, and the destruction of the heavens

as the earth convulses. It is reasonable to conclude, therefore,

that the events described in chapter 7 occupy the era between

the last celestial sign (1833) and the second advent, "the time of

the end," and beyond.

Great wars were fought in Europe in the latter part of the

nineteenth century, Soon after the opening of the twentieth

came the devastating World War I. Peace ensued only to be

broken again by World War II. From that time on wars have

mushroomed for a time and then subsided.

"The time during which the winds are held could not from the

nature of the case be a time of profound peace. This would not

answer to the prophecy, for in order to make it manifest that the

winds are being held, there must be disturbance, agitation,

anger, and jealousy among the nations, with occasional out-

bursts of strife, like fitful gusts breaking away from the impris-

oned and struggling tempest.... Such has been the aspect of

our times."—Uriah Smith,

Daniel and the Revelation,

p. 463.

What important truth does this prophecy of Revelation 7:1-3

confirm? Dan. 4:25, last part.

"When it suits the plans and purposes of God to permit the

winds of strife to blow, then human nature untouched by the

grace of God is seen in unbridled display. But when He says, 'It

is enough,' the angel cries, 'Hold, Hold, Hold, Hold,' and the

strife ceases that the work of God may proceed."—Daniel

and

the Revelation,

p. 465.

THINK IT THROUGH

FURTHER STUDY

While efforts to ensure peace are laudatory, why can a

Christian not have much confidence in human efforts to

negotiate a lasting peace?

"Soon great trouble will arise among the nations—trouble

that will not cease until Jesus comes."—Ellen G. White,

Review

and Herald,

Feb. 11, 1904.

Testimonies,

vol. 6, pp. 14-16.

Global Distress

LESSON 5



❑

Monday

October 24



Part 2



According to the prophecy, why are the four angels in-

SPIRITUAL structed to prevent prolonged global strife?

CONCERNS



AND STRIFE



"And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having

the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the

four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,

saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we

have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads" (Rev.

7:2, 3).

"Everything in the world is in an unsettled state. The nations

are angry, and great preparations for war are being made. Na-

tion is plotting against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.

The great day of God is hasting greatly. But although the na-

tions are mustering their forces for war and bloodshed, the

command to the angels is still in force, that they hold the four

winds until the servants of God are sealed in their foreheads."

—Ellen G. White Comments,

SDA Bible Commentary, vol.

7, p.

968.

What is the relationship between the work of the sealing

angel and the work of the three angels in Revelation 14?

The sealing angel and the three angels appear in the "time of

the end," particularly between 1844 and the second advent. The

work of each results finally in a people totally obedient to God.

In the case of the sealing angel they are designated the 144,000

(Rev. 7:4). In the case of the three angels, those obedient to God

are referred to as the saints who "keep the commandments of

God, and the faith of Jesus" (Rev. 14:12), and it is implied that

they are the 144,000 (Rev. 14:1-5). Since the angels of both

chapters operate at the same time with the same results, we may

conclude that they both represent the movement and message

of God's end-time church.

What is the seal of the living God? (Compare Ex. 20:8-11 and

2 Tim. 2:19.)

Seals were used in Bible times to show ownership and to give

authority to legal documents. The fourth precept functions as

God's seal, because it alone identifies the authority behind the

law—the Lord God, Creator of heaven and earth. The three

angels' messages call mankind back to the worship of the

Creator and the keeping of His Sabbath, the seal of His law. It

warns against a false worship. In the final crisis God's loyal ones

will be sealed as His children.



THINK IT THROUGH



How can I make my observance of the Sabbath more re-

warding?

FURTHER STUDY



The Great Controversy,

pp. 451-455.

Global Distress

LESSON 5



❑

Tuesday

October 25

Part 3

WORLD ANGUISH

How did Jesus describe the condition of national govern-

ments prior to His coming?

"Upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea

and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them for fear, and

for looking after those things which are coming on the earth"

(Luke 21:25, 26).

The stormy, heaving sea may be understood as a figure of

speech describing the unsettled conditions of the nations in the

end time. In addition to this word picture, three terms are used

by Christ to describe last-day conditions among the nations:

"distress," "perplexity," and "hearts failing" ("fainting,"

NASB).

The Greek term rendered "distress" appears only here and in

Second Corinthians 2:4 where Paul speaks of his "anguish of

heart." The words "distress" and "perplexity" aptly depict the

world anguish of our times.

No governments in all human history have had to wrestle with

such gigantic problems as face mankind today. Problems of

finance and inflation are global. Uncertainties in the economies

of nations breed social unrest and revolution, and often a crip-

pling of national development and progress. National leaders

are confronted with enormous problems in environmental pol-

lution, population growth, vast droughts and resulting famines

and disease among their peoples, not to speak of having to

solve the difficulties created by energy shortages and pressures

for military preparedness. The problems are endless, and hu-

manly unsolvable. And yet national governments and leaders

agonize to find the solutions.

In Ezekiel's time the complexities of earth's political affairs

were symbolized by a series of moving, intersecting wheels.

Who controlled all these? Eze. 1:15-19, 26-28.

"The present is a time of overwhelming interest to all living.

Rulers and statesmen, men who occupy positions of trust and

authority, thinking men and women of all classes, have their

attention fixed upon the events taking place about us. They are

watching the relations that exist among the nations. They ob-

serve the intensity that is taking possession of every earthly

element, and they recognize that something great and decisive

is about to take place—that the world is on the verge of a

stupendous

crisis."—Prophets and Kings,

p. 537.



THINK IT THROUGH



How can I as a Christian keep a calm and hopeful frame of

mind in times of national or international panic?



FURTHER STUDY



Prophets and Kings,

pp. 535-537.

Global

Distress

LESSON 5



❑

Wednesday

October 26



Part 4



What warning does a voice from heaven give to the inhabi-

DEVIL-CAUSED tants of earth?

DISTRESS

"Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the

devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he

knoweth that he hath but a short time" (Rev. 12:12).

"Evil spirits, in the beginning [were] created sinless. . . . But

fallen through sin, they are leagued together for the dishonor of

God and the destruction of men."—The

Great Controversy,

513.

What usurped position does Satan hold over this earth? See

John 12:31; 14:30; 2 Cor. 4:4.

Through whom in this world do Satan and his associate

fallen angels work? Eph. 2:2.

In what worldwide activities did John see the devils en-

gaged prior to the second advent? Rev. 16:13, 14.

"Satan delights in war, for it excites the worst passions of the

soul and then sweeps into eternity its victims steeped in vice

and blood. It is his object to incite the nations to war against one

another, for he can thus divert the minds of the people from the

work of preparation to stand in the day of God. . . .



. Even now he is at work. In accidents and calamities by

sea and by land, in great conflagrations, in fierce tornadoes and

terrific hailstorms, in tempests, floods, cyclones, tidal waves,

and earthquakes, in every place and in a thousand forms, Satan

is exercising his power. He sweeps away the ripening harvest,

and famine and distress follow. He imparts to the air a deadly

taint, and thousands perish by the pestilence. These visitations

are to become more and more frequent and disastrous."

—The

Great Controversy,

pp. 589, 590.



THINK IT THROUGH



Why do good people sometimes receive the blame for phys-

ical calamities? Compare Elijah (1 Kings 18:17, 18) and the

early Christians of the Roman Empire.

"The class that have provoked the displeasure of Heaven will

charge all their troubles upon those whose obedience to God's

commandments is a perpetual reproof to transgressors. It will

be declared that men are offending God by the violation of the

Sunday sabbath; that this sin has brought calamities."

—The

Great Controversy,

p. 590.



FURTHER STUDY



The Great Controversy,

pp. 516, 517.

Global Distress

LESSON 5



❑

Thursday

October 27

Part 5

CHRISTIANS AND

GOVERNMENTS

THINK IT THROUGH

FURTHER STUDY

What counsel is given to Christians with reference to their

relationship to civil governments?

"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there

is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of

God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the

ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to them-

selves damnation."

"Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath,

but also for conscience sake" (Rom. 13:1, 2, 5).

In a sense, the Christian holds a dual citizenship. He is a

member of Christ's kingdom which is not of this world (John

18:36), at the same time he is a citizen of the nation in which he

resides. As distress among the nations increases because of

innumerable problems, modern Christians must seek to be

cooperative in every right measure and to avoid if possible all

misunderstandings.

What may the Christian's law-abiding conduct and prudent

speech silence? 1 Peter 2:13-15.

"It is not wise to find fault continually with what is done by the

rulers of government. It is not our work to attack individuals or

institutions... .

. . We should weed out from our writings and utterances

every expression that, taken by itself, could be so misrep-

resented as to make it appear antagonistic to law and order.

Everything should be carefully considered, lest we place our-

selves on record as encouraging disloyalty to our country and

its laws. We are not required to defy authorities. There will come

a time when, because of our advocacy of Bible truth, we shall be

treated as traitors; but let not this time be hastened by unad-

vised movements that stir up animosity and strife."—

Tes-

timonies,

vol. 6, p. 394.

For what class of men does the apostle Paul especially

request Christians to pray? For what reasons? 1 Tim. 2:1-4.

What will Christians eventually face? Rev. 13:15-17.

"Those who honor the Bible Sabbath will be denounced as

enemies of law and order, as breaking down the moral restraints

of society, causing anarchy and corruption."—The

Great Con-

troversy,

p. 592.

What kind of record would my life and transactions reveal if I

were investigated by my government? (See Dan. 6:4, 5.)

Testimonies,

vol. 6, pp. 394-403.

Global Distress

LESSON 5



❑

Friday

October 28



Part 6



As the world moves from crisis to crisis and global distress

FLOODS AND becomes more acute, what alone will keep the Christian sta-

FOUNDATIONS ble?

"Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth

them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house

upon a rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came,

and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not:

for it was founded upon a rock" (Matt. 7:24, 25).

"The word of God is the only steadfast thing our world knows.

It is the sure foundation. 'Heaven and earth shall pass away,'

said Jesus, 'but My words shall not pass away.' Matthew

24:35."—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,

p. 148.

In the parallel passage (Luke 6:48) the builder "digged deep,

and laid the foundation on a rock." This is hearing and doing

Christ's word. The final issue in the controversy will be whether

or not a person will do what Jesus has said.

When at times governments become persecuting agencies

in the hands of Satan, what sustains God's people? Rom.

8:35-39.

"Though enemies may thrust them [God's people] into

prison, yet dungeon walls cannot cut off the communication

between their souls and Christ. One who sees their every weak-

ness, who is acquainted with every trial, is above all earthly

powers; and angels will come to them in lonely cells, bringing

light and peace from heaven. The prison will be as a palace; for

the rich in faith dwell there, and the gloomy walls will be lighted

up with heavenly light as when Paul and Silas prayed and sang

praises at midnight in the Philippian dungeon."—The

Great

Controversy,

p. 627.

What promise has God made to His people who may be

called upon to pass through trying situations? Isa. 43:2.

"The season of distress before God's people will call for a

faith that will not falter. His children must make it manifest that

He is the only object of their worship, and that no consideration,

not even that of life itself, can induce them to make the least

concession to false worship. To the loyal heart the commands

of sinful, finite men will sink into insignificance beside the word

of the eternal God. Truth will be obeyed though the result be

imprisonment or exile or death."—Prophets

and Kings,

pp. 512,

513.



THINK IT THROUGH



What can I do in my personal Christian experience to de-

velop a deeper faith and confidence in God?



FURTHER STUDY



Testimonies,

vol. 8, pp. 123-125.

&TIE MEDI

THE

LESSON 6 October 30 to November 5

"As the days of Noe were, so shall

also the coming of the Son of man be.

For as in the days that were before the

flood they were eating and drinking,

marrying and giving in marriage, until

the day that Noe entered into the ark,

and knew not until the flood came,

and took them all away; so shall also

the coming of the Son of man be"

(Matt. 24:37.39).

In Christ's conversation with His

disciples regarding the signs of His

return, He stated that the people

would be no more ready for His

coming than the antediluvians were

ready for the Flood. Thus we may

expect in "the time of the end" that

instead of preparation people will

emphasize "life as usual."

From a secondary application of

these verses can come a study of the

outstanding characteristics of the

antediluvian age, and their

counterparts in our own society. In

this week's lesson we will study this

comparison. Noah's age was noted for

its intense worldliness. The pursuit of

pleasure and the gratifying of the

physical senses with abandonment

were dominant symptoms in that

morally sick generation.

Although they became depraved,

the antediluvians did not begin as

ignorant cavemen. This long-lived and

highly intelligent people deliberately

chose to throw off their allegiance and

obligation to the Creator. They ruled

Him out of their thought. With the fear

of God lost from their thinking,

inevitably their respect for one

another ceased. Violence and

inhuman treatment of one another

took the place of law and order and

human sympathy. Noble beings

became debased by ignoble thoughts

and actions. Mankind came to live like

animals, thinking only of self and the

present moment. Eternal interests

were of no importance.

In similar times how shall Christians

live and prepare for the "blessed

hope"? (See Titus 2:11-13.) How shall

both affluent and poor Christians

relate to the society around them?

How are they to live in a time of much

social violence, and escape the moral

pollution that everywhere surrounds

them? These are the areas we wish to

explore in this week's study.

DAILY HIGHLIGHTS

The Grasp for the Good Life

(Luke 17:26, 27)

Righteous Use of Riches

(Luke 16:9)

Demise of Deity

(Job 22:15.17)

Social Violence

(Hosea 4:1, 2)

Tainted Thoughts

(Gen. 6:5)

Preachers of Righteousness

(2 Peter 2:5)

The Antediluvians and the Second Advent

LESSON 6

❑

Sunday

October 30

Part 1



Jesus cited attitudes of people in a former age as an illustra-

THE GRASP FOR tion of end-time attitudes toward the second advent. What

THE GOOD LIFE comparison did He make?

"As it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of

the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives,

they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered

into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all"

(Luke 17:26, 27).

In this particular instance Jesus does not stress the toil and

accomplishments of the antediluvians, or their strife and vio-

lence. Rather, He emphasizes their indulgence in the enjoyment

of themselves while neglecting to prepare for the Flood. Their

times are characterized by a people grasping for pleasure—

eating, drinking, and making love—an abandonment to the

enjoyment of the bodily appetites, a feverish search for sensual

experience. A similar obsession with the material and the sen-

sual will be prominent in the world before Jesus comes.

"God bestowed upon these antediluvians many and rich gifts;

but they used His bounties to glorify themselves, and turned

them into a curse by fixing their affections upon the gifts instead

of the Giver. They employed the gold and silver, the precious

stones and the choice wood, in the construction of habitations

for themselves, and endeavored to excel one another in

beautifying their dwellings with the most skillful workmanship.

They sought only to gratify the desires of their own proud

hearts, and reveled in scenes of pleasure and wickedness."—

Patriarchs and Prophets,

pp. 90, 91.

THINK IT THROUGH

What conditions promoted sensualism and materialism in

the days of Lot and of Ezekiel? Eze. 16:49. Is this true today

also?

"God did not condemn the antediluvians for eating and drink-

ing.... Their sin consisted in taking these gifts without gratitude

to the Giver, and debasing themselves by indulging appetite

without restraint. It was lawful for them to marry. . . . But . . .

marriage was perverted and made to minister to passion."

—Patriarchs and Prophets,

p. 101.

Why is the world's emphasis on the enjoyment of self a

dangerous temptation to end-time Christians? See Luke

21:34-36.

"A similar condition of things exists now. That which is lawful

in itself is carried to excess. Appetite is indulged without re-

straint. . . . Intemperance benumbs the moral and spiritual

powers. . . . Men are living for the pleasures of sense."—

Patriarchs and Prophets,

pp. 101, 102.

FURTHER STUDY



The Desire of Ages,

pp. 633, 634.

The Antediluvians and the Second Advent

LESSON 6

❑

Monday

October 31

Part 2



Although many will misuse their material goods in the last

RIGHTEOUS USE days, what counsel does Jesus give to Christians?

OF RICHES

THINK IT THROUGH

"And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of

unrighteous mammon, so that when it fails they may receive

you into the eternal habitations" (Luke 16:9, RSV).

In the parable of the unjust steward (Luke 16:1-13) Jesus

taught that people should be in earnest about preparation for

the future world. Only by concern for the welfare of others could

they themselves be blessed.

"The means over and above the actual necessities of life are

entrusted to man to do good, to bless humanity."

"Give yourself to God for this work, use His gifts for this

purpose, and you enter into partnership with heavenly beings.

Your heart will throb in sympathy with theirs. You will be assimi-

lated to them in character. To you these dwellers in the eternal

tabernacles will not be strangers. When earthly things shall

have passed away, the watchers at heaven's gates will bid you

welcome."—Christ's

Object Lessons,

pp. 370, 373.

Although eating, marrying, and buying and selling of mate-

rial goods are not wrong in themselves, what perspective will

characterize the genuine end-time Christian? 1 Cor. 7:29-31.

These verses are not to be misunderstood as teaching that the

Christian is to neglect his wife and family or to be negligent in

secular matters. It is the Lord who entrusted him with these

blessings. The point is that life's cares, responsibilities, and

pleasures must always be subordinate to preparation for the

coming of Christ. We have only one short life in which to make

that preparation.

What lesson does Jesus intend to teach His followers in the

parable of the rich farmer? Luke 12:16-21.

"This man's aims were no higher than those of the beasts that

perish. He lived as if there were no God, no heaven, no future

life; as if everything he possessed were his own, and he owed

nothing to God or

man."—Christ's Object Lessons,

pp. 257, 258.

How may I use my material goods to bless my neighbors

more effectively and advance God's last-day movement?

It is the spirit of Christ to give, to sacrifice self for the good of

others."—Christ's

Object Lessons,

p. 259.

FURTHER STUDY



Christ's Object Lessons, "Friends

by the Mammon of Un-

righteousness," pp. 366-375.

4-ASSL 4.77

The Antediluvians and the Second Advent

LESSON 6

❑

Tuesday

November 1

Part 3

DEMISE OF

DEITY

THINK IT THROUGH

FURTHER STUDY

According to Eliphaz, how did the antediluvian people re-

gard God?

"Will you keep to the old way

which wicked men have trod?

They were snatched away before their time;

their foundation was washed away.

They said to God, 'Depart from us,'

and 'What can the Almighty do to us?' "

Job 22:15-17, RSV.

The antediluvians ruled God out of their everyday living. To

have acknowledged the Creator would have required their al-

legiance and moral obligation to His commands. But the wicked

generation would have none of God. For all practical purposes

He was "dead."

Since men cannot live without recognizing some authority,

to what did the antediluvians turn? Rom. 1:21-25.

"Not desiring to retain God in their knowledge, they soon

came to deny His existence. They adored nature in place of the

God of nature. They glorified human genius, worshiped the

works of their own hands, and taught their children to bow

down to graven

images."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

p. 91.

The publishing of books on evolution by Charles Darwin re-

flected a revolutionary change in human thought that was oc-

curring in the period of "the time of the end" which we are

studying. The evolutionary theory has affected not only scien-

tific thought but also man's religious perspectives. As a result

God has been ruled out of His creation, discarded asan outworn

myth. In modern times large portions of the populations of earth

either deny God's existence or live as though He did not exist.

"What two elements of existence does David mention as

originating with God? Ps. 36:9.

When the mind is not enlightened by God, life loses its sense

of meaning. Modern life is characterized by this loss of mean-

ing. The popular interest in pleasures of all kinds covers an

inner urge to find coherence and sense in human existence.

Why is the church's special last-day message extremely

relevant to this end-time situation? Rev. 14:6, 7.

Am I a practical atheist although a professing Christian?

How does my belief in God affect my life-style?

An example of one who lived a rich and rewarding life is Paul.

His motto: "For to me to live is Christ" (Phil. 1:21).

Patriarchs and Prophets,

pp. 91-97.

The Antediluvians and the Second Advent

LESSON 60

Wednesday

November 2



Part 4



When the knowledge and fear of God are removed from a

SOCIAL VIOLENCE society, what attitudes and actions begin to appear?

"Hear the word of the Lord, ye children of Israel: for the Lord

hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because

there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land.

By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and commit-

ting adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood"

(Hosea 4:1, 2).

The moral law which governs mankind rests upon the two-

fold principle of love to God and impartial love to one's fellow

beings. When people cease to respect God, they cease to re-

spect one another. Crime and violence result.

Since the antediluvians did not wish to retain God in their

knowledge, what developed in their society? Gen. 6:11.

In what specific ways did that ancient generation sin

against one another? Rom. 1:28-32. (Compare with 2 Tim.

3:1-5.)

"Man will rise no higher than his conceptions of truth, purity,

and holiness. If the mind is never exalted above the level of

humanity, if it is not uplifted by faith to contemplate infinite

wisdom and love, the man will be constantly sinking lower and

lower."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

p. 91.

Since God is no longer central in modern life, do conditions

similar to those of Noah's time prevail today? Even a cursory

survey of modern societies reveals deep-seated social unrest in

various forms of vandalism, increasing rates of crime, and the

infiltrating of organized crime into society, riots, racial tensions,

student unrest, crippling strikes, and revolutions. Corruption

exists at all levels of society.

"Fraud and bribery and theft stalk unrebuked in high places

and in low. The issues of the press teem with records of murder.

... The spirit of anarchy is permeating all nations.... The picture

which Inspiration has given of the antediluvian world repre-

sents too truly the condition to which modern society is fast

hastening. Even now, in the present century, and in professedly

Christian lands, there are crimes daily perpetrated as black and

terrible as those for which the old-world sinners were

destroyed."—Patriarchs

and Prophets,

p. 102.



THINK IT THROUGH



In what ways can I and my fellow members help to improve

conditions caused by man's inhumanity to man?

FURTHER STUDY



Patriarchs and Prophets,

pp. 101-104.

The Antediluvians and the Second Advent

LESSON 6

❑

Thursday

November 3

Part 5



What description does the Bible give of the antediluvians?

TAINTED THOUGHTS

THINK IT THROUGH

"God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the

earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart

was only evil continually" (Gen. 6:5).

The great citadel of the human being is the mind. As far as the

individual is concerned, the controversy between good and evil

is a battle to gain the mind which rightly owes its allegiance to

the Creator. Rejecting God, the minds of the people of the

antediluvian society became vain and darkened (Rom. 1:21).

Controlled by Satan (Rom. 6:16), their imaginations became

corrupted and-perverted.

What kinds of life-styles do tainted and Impure thoughts

produce? Mark 7:21-23. (Compare Prov. 23:7.)

Corrupt thinking was widespread in the antediluvian society;

so it is today in "the time of the end" as we approach Christ's

coming. Newspapers, magazines, books, movies, radio—and

especially television—make tremendous impacts on human

thinking. Television, now only a little more than a quarter of a

century old, has had an incalculable molding influence upon an

entire generation of youth from babyhood to adulthood. Unfor-

tunately, the mass media pours forth in its torrential output

much that is worldly-wise, impure, perverted, and violent. "By

beholding we become changed" is an unvarying law of the

mind. Modern society is fast moving toward the mental condi-

tion of the antediluvian world.

"This is an age when corruption is teeming everywhere. ...

The heart is corrupted through the imagination. The mind takes

pleasure in contemplating scenes which awaken the lower and

baser passions.... Avoid reading and seeing things which will

suggest impure thoughts. Cultivate the moral and intellectual

powers."—Testimonies,

vol. 2, p. 410.

What prayer must an end-time Christian make and what

positive action must he take if he would preserve and develop

wholesome thought processes? Ps. 19:14; Phil. 4:8.

If I am honest with my soul and the eternal interests which

are at stake, what TV programs and reading would I eliminate

from my daily life?

"When Christ abides in the heart, there will be purity and

refinement of thought and

manner."—Thoughts From the

Mount of Blessing,

p. 25.

FURTHER STUDY



Testimonies,

vol. 2, pp. 187-189.

The Antediluvians and the Second Advent

LESSON 6

❑

Friday

November 4



Part 6



The apostle Peter described Noah as what kind of a

PREACHERS OF preacher? On what topic did Noah preach?

RIGHTEOUSNESS

"And [God] spared not the old world, but saved Noah the

eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the

flood upon the world of the ungodly" (2 Peter 2:5).

While Noah earnestly appealed to the morally bankrupt soci-

ety of the antediluvian world and warned of the impending

Flood, we must not think that he was merely an alarmist. His

ministry was a ministry of righteousness; he preached under the

power of the Holy Spirit (see Gen. 6:3) for conversion of heart

which would result in a changed life-style.

Of what was Noah an heir? Heb. 11:7. (Compare Phil. 3:9.)

"Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses understood

the gospel. They looked for salvation through man's Substitute

and

Surety."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

p. 366.

In various times of crisis God sends warning messages to the

world through the preaching of His servants. These warnings of

judgments are not sent merely as means to scare individuals

into salvation. Warnings of an imminent Flood such as Noah

uttered, or warnings of divine judgments to fall on those who

worship the beast or its image, or receive its mark, serve to

arrest the attention of the people. Startling and solemn, they

arouse the mind to sense its deep spiritual need and the down-

ward course it is pursuing. Under the Spirit's conviction, the

truly penitent cry out for help. To meet that cry God's preachers

of righteousness both anciently and now offer the healing balm

of the gospel.

What message is offered by God's last-day preachers of

righteousness to a morally falling society, and with what re-

sults? Rev. 14:6, 12; Matt. 24:14. What are its warning as-

pects? Rev. 14:7-11; 18:4.

"Before the Flood God sent Noah to warn the world, that the

people might be led to repentance. . . . As the time of Christ's

second appearing draws near, the Lord sends His servants with

a warning to the world to prepare for that great event.... All who

will put away their sins by repentance toward God and faith in

Christ are offered

pardon."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

p. 102.



THINK IT THROUGH



Noah was more successful with the members of his family

than with those outside his home. How is it with my family?



FURTHER STUDY



Testimonies,

vol. 4, pp. 306-313.

LESSON 7 November 6-12

7. moDING

mom

BEHAVIOR

"Likewise also as it was in the days of

Lot; they did eat, they drank, they

bought, they sold, they planted, they

builded; but the same day that Lot

went out of Sodom it rained fire and

brimstone from heaven, and

destroyed them all. Even thus shall it

be in the day when the Son of man is

revealed" (Luke 17:28-30).

In describing the social conditions

of the end time, Jesus compared them

with the times of Noah and of Lot. Both

societies were corrupt, since they

repudiated the governing law of God,

but Sodom was especially infamous

for its gross forms of immorality.

In the Christian era the gospel of

Christ, with its high principles of

morality and its regard for human life,

has permeated and influenced many

cultures even beyond the confines of

the so-called "Christian nations." The

Western world, in particular, has had a

long heritage of Christian teachings

and perspectives.

It is indeed a painful sign of the

times to see modern society

repudiating this heritage of

Judeo-Christian morality and

regressing to the licentious patterns of

the antediluvians and the Sodomites.

Even more alarming is the fact that

some religious leaders who claim to be

Christians openly defend and

condone the immoral practices for

which Sodom was destroyed and

blotted from the face of human

society.

This week we will survey some of the

aspects of the eroding ethical behavior

in our times. That which is pure and

noble and upright is being corroded

and besmirched before our eyes. That

which is evil is called good, and good

is called evil (Isa. 5:20). First, we will

look at one of the modern attacks on

the law of God—situational ethics and

its subtle deceptions.

Moral impurity is especially seen

today in open abnormal practices,

adultery, and the widespread collapse

of the home. Then there are the

multiple problems resulting from the

formation of religiously divided

homes as well as conflicts between

parents and children. All are having

their impact in eroding Christian

norms of behavior.

In a time of collapsing standards the

Christian must practice the principles

of his religion and keep himself

unstained by the world. As we take to

heart the counsels of the Bible we may

like Enoch live a life of moral purity in a

degenerate age.

"Beloved, now are we the sons of

God, and it doth not yet appear what

we shall be: but we know that, when

he shall appear, we shall be like him;

for we shall see him as he is. And every

man that hath this hope in him

purifieth himself, even as he is pure"

(1 John 3:2, 3).

DAILY HIGHLIGHTS

Moral Authority

(Judges 21:25)

Abnormal Associations

(Rom. 1:26, 27)

Faithlessness in the Family

(Rom. 1:31)

Mixed Marriages

(Gen. 6:1, 2)

Generation Gap

(2 Tim. 3:1, 2)

The Divine Desire

(1 Thess. 4:3-7)

Eroding Moral Behavior

LESSON 7



❑

Sunday

November 6

Part 1

MORAL AUTHORITY

How does the Bible writer characterize the moral situation

in Israel during the period of the judges?

"In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did

that which was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25).

When there is no governing authority in a country, anarchy

prevails because each citizen does as he pleases. The same is

true in the spiritual realm. If God and His authority are rejected

and His law disregarded, then spiritual anarchy results. Men do

as they choose to do, and being controlled by carnal natures,

sins of every hue abound. God and His law have been excised

from modern life. The ethics of many moderns spring from their

own desires.

"Society at the present time is corrupt, as it was in the days of

Noah... . They [the antediluvian race] expelled God from their

thoughts; they despised His law; trampled His standard of

character in the

dust."--Fundamentals of Christian Education,

p. 421.

Can the individual of himself always know what is the right

thing to do? Prov. 16:25.

Current in modern society among the attacks on God's law is

the philosophy that there are no divine absolutes such as the

Ten Commandments to be strictly obeyed. It is argued that one

should do the loving thing in any given situation, and that the

"loving thing" may actually require lying, murder, adultery, etc.

However, since man has a sinful nature, even a born-again

Christian needs to be told by God just what the "loving thing" is

in various situations. God's law and God's Word provide

adequate essential guidance.

"God has given men no liberty to depart from His require-

ments.... In deciding upon any course of action we are not to

ask whether we can see that harm will result from it, but whether

it is in keeping with the will Df

God."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

p. 634.

What does this subtle hatred against God's law in "the time

of the end" reflect? 1 John 3:4, 8.

Lucifer transgressed God's will. He did not consider the law a

necessity for created beings. Ellen White writes: "He reiterated

his claim that angels needed no control, but should

left to

follow their own will, which would ever guide them right."—The

Great Controversy,

p. 499.

As a Seventh-day Adventist Christian, how can I best show

the positive value of living in harmony with God's will?

The Desire of Ages,

pp. 762-764.

THINK IT THROUGH

FURTHER STUDY



Eroding Moral



Behavior

LESSON 7



❑

Monday

November 7



Part 2



What perversion in morals became commonplace when

ABNORMAL people turned away from God?

ASSOCIATIONS

"For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable pas-

sions. Their women exchanged natural relations for un-

natural, and the men likewise gave up natural relations with

women and were consumed with passion for one another,

men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in

their own persons the due penalty for their error" (Rom. 1:26,

27, RSV).

For what abnormal associations were Sodom and Gomor-

rah destroyed? Jude 7. (Compare Gen. 19:1-11.)

Jesus said that one of the signs of His near return would be a

condition of morality similar to that among the antediluvians

and Sodomites. Not only have the same deviant sexual patterns

become prominent in our times, being pursued with open bold-

ness, but some professed ministers now defend such practices,

organize churches for persons of this life-style, and ordain

some to the ministry. Such sinful brazenness indicates again

the eroding morality of our times and the approaching end of

the age.

"The sins that destroyed the antediluvians and the cities of

the plain exist today—not merely in heathen lands, not only

among popular professors of Christianity, but with some who

profess to be looking for the coming of the Son of man. If God

should present these sins before you as they appear in His sight,

you would be filled with shame and

terror."—Testimonies,

vol.

5, p. 218.

Can divine grace in our end time of moral pollution save and

transform the immoral who are penitent? 1 Cor. 6: 9-11.

"While he [Abraham) loathed the sins of that corrupt city, he

desired that the sinners might be saved. His deep interest for

Sodom shows the anxiety that we should feel for the impenitent.

We should cherish hatred of sin, but pity and love for the sinner.

All around us are souls going down to ruin as hopeless, as

terrible, as that which befell

Sodom."—Patriarchs and

Prophets,

p. 140

"There is a strange abandonment of principle, the standard of

morality is lowered, and the earth is fast becoming a

Sodom."—Gospel

Workers,

p. 125.



THINK IT THROUGH



What concept will help me and my family to maintain moral

purity as Christians? See 1 Cor. 6:18-20.



FURTHER STUDY



Testimonies,

vol. 4, pp. 110-112.

Eroding Moral Behavior

LESSON 7



❑

Tuesday

November 8

Part 3



In describing the development of sin in the world, what

FAITHLESSNESS particular transgressions does the apostle Paul mention?

IN THE FAMILY

"Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without

natural affection, implacable, unmerciful" (Rom. 1:31).

One of the most important moments in a person's experience

is marriage. God designed marriage to be a permanent bond

between two responsible, loving persons. One of the marked

tragedies of modern times is the waning of loyalty, faithfulness,

and affection between spouses, and the consequent breakup of

the home.

Among the antediluvians "Neither the marriage relation nor

the rights of property were respected. Whoever coveted the

wives or the possessions of his neighbor, took them by force,

and men exulted in their deeds of

violence."—Patriarchs and

Prophets,

p. 92.

What is God's ideal for marriage? Matt. 19:3-6.

What relationships are forbidden, being detrimental to both

Christian experience and the home? 1 Cor. 6:15, 17.

"Recent painful developments of evil are one of the great

evidences we have that the end is near. Satan, like a roaring lion,

is going about, seeking whom he may devour; and if men and

women, under the blazing light that now shines in this perilous

time, will be found fornicators, I am afraid that God will separate

them from the work forever. . .

"Cleanse the camp of this moral corruption, if it takes the

highest men in the highest positions. God will not

trifled with.

Fornication is in our ranks; I know it, for it has been shown me to

be strengthening and extending its pollutions.... Cleanse the

camp, for there is an accursed thing in

it."—Testimonies to

Ministers,

pp. 426-428.

How does God regard divorce? Mal. 2:15, 16. On what basis

only may the marital bond be broken and the innocent partner

remarry? Matt. 19:7-9.

"The slightest insinuations, ... inviting you to indulge in sin or

to allow the least unwarrantable liberty with your persons,

should be resented as the worst of insults to your dignified

womanhood. The kiss upon your cheek, at an improper time

and place, should lead you to repel the emissary of Satan with

disgust."—Testimonies,

vol. 2, p. 458.

THINK IT THROUGH



What is the influence of my clothing and deportment on

others? Do they promote a strong tone of moral purity?

FURTHER STUDY



The Adventist Home,

p. 80;

Testimonies,

vol. 2, pp. 458, 459.

Eroding Moral Behavior

LESSON 7



❑

Wednesday

November 9

Part 4



What disastrous decision did the descendants of Seth make

MIXED MARRIAGES as they became acquainted with the descendants of Cain?

"And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the

face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, that the

sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and

they took them wives of all which they chose" (Gen. 6:1, 2).

THINK IT THROUGH

One of the basic causes for the quick erosion of moral stan-

dards in the antediluvian age was the intermarriage between the

followers of God and the worldly descendants of Cain. The

influence of the nonbelieving partners had a deadening effect

on the spiritual experience of the believers.

"The children of Seth, attracted by the beauty of the

daughters of Cain's descendants, displeased the Lord by inter-

marrying with them. Many of the worshipers of God were be-

guiled into sin by the allurements that were now constantly

before them, and they lost their peculiar, holy character. Min-

gling with the depraved, they became like them in spirit and in

deeds."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

p. 81.

Why did God forbid His ancient people to intermarry with

those who were not of their faith? Deut. 7:1-4.

Whose tragic marriages are recorded in the Bible as a warn-

ing on this point? 1 Kings 11:1-4. (Compare Neh. 13:25-27.)

"Never should God's people venture upon forbidden ground.

Marriage between believers and unbelievers is forbidden by

God. But too often the unconverted heart follows its own de-

sires, and marriages unsanctioned by God are formed."—The

Adventist Home,

p. 63.

Why is incomplete happiness to be expected if a husband

and wife form a religiously divided home? 2 Cor. 6:14-16.

"The heart yearns for human love, but this love is not strong

enough, or pure enough, or precious enough, to supply the

place of the love of Jesus.... Let woman give herself to Christ

before giving herself to any earthly friend, and enter into no

relation which shall conflict with this.... Unless you would have

a home where the shadows are never lifted, do not unite your-

self with one who is an enemy of

God."—Messages to Young

People,

p. 440.

Why is it not spiritually safe, nor in the interest of mutual

happiness, for a Seventh-day Adventist to marry a Christian of

another faith?

FURTHER STUDY



The Adventist Home,

pp. 61-69.

Eroding Moral Behavior

LESSON 7



❑

Thursday

November 10

Part 5

GENERATION GAP

FURTHER STUDY

What conditions

between

parents and children did the

apostle Paul predict would be especially prominent in the end

time?

"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall

come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous,

boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, un-

thankful, unholy" (2 Tim. 3:1, 2).

The prediction indicated that in many homes there would be

an open clash between parents and children. Respect for paren-

tal authority is basic to human happiness. A failure to appreciate

its legitimate place in society leads to a general contempt for

authority whether in the church, school, state, or even in

heaven.

"The family is the most important and fundamental unit in

society and government. Respect for parental authority and

obedience to parental law are the foundation of all order and

organization. As goes the home, so goes society, the nation,

and the world."

"The lack of regard for authority—parental, civil, and

divine—is the greatest evil of the modern world."—Taylor G.

Bunch,

The Ten Commandments

(Washington, DC, Review and

Herald, 1944), pp. 91, 97.

What is said of Abraham as an example of a good parent?

Gen. 18:19.

The first care of the parents should be to establish good

government in the family. The word of the parents should be

law, precluding all arguments or evasions. Children should be

taught from infancy to implicitly obey their parents."—

Child

Guidance,

p. 85.

How did twelve-year-old Jesus act toward His parents even

though they did not completely understand His mission? Luke

2:49-51.

"For eighteen years after He had recognized that He was the

Son of God, He acknowledged the tie that bound Him to the

home at Nazareth, and performed the duties of a son, a brother,

a friend, and a citizen."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 86.

What does God intend that His last-day Elijah message shall

accomplish in the families of His people? Mal. 4:5, 6.

"The secret of true unity in the ... family is not diplomacy, not

management, not a superhuman effort to overcome difficulties

. . . but union with Christ."—The

Adventist Home,

p. 179.

Child Guidance,

pp. 21-25.



Eroding Moral



Behavior

LESSON 7



❑

Friday

November 11



Part 6



What is God's desire for Christians when they establish a

THE DIVINE home?

DESIRE

"For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you

abstain from immorality; that each one of you know how to

take a wife for himself in holiness and honor, not in the pas-

sion of lust like heathen who do not know God.... For God has

not called us for uncleanness, but in holiness" (1 Thess. 4:3-7,

RSV).

Whether the Greek phrase of verse 4 refers to the Christian

himself (KJV) or to a wife (RSV) is immaterial to the thrust of the

passage which calls the sanctified Christian to a life of moral

purity. Marriage is sacred. True love is honorable and responsi-

ble. Premarital sex, trial marriages, and wife-trading are but

various forms of immorality condemned in the Bible. Such prac-

tices are destructive of genuine happiness and holiness.

How did God establish the marriage relationship? Gen.

1:27; 2:18-24.

"God Himself gave Adam a companion . .. —one who was

fitted to be his companion, and who could be one with him in

love and sympathy. She was ... to stand by his side as an equal,

to be loved and protected by him. A part of man, bone of his

bone, and flesh of his flesh, she was his second self, showing

the close union and the affectionate attachment that should

exist in this relation. . . .

" ... When the divine principles are recognized and obeyed in

this relation, marriage is a blessing; it guards the purity and

happiness of the race, it provides for man's social needs, it

elevates the physical, the intellectual, and the moral

nature."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

p. 46.

How does the apostle Paul show that conjugal love is proper

and sacred to the marriage estate? 1 Cor. 7:3-5.

The King James Version rendering "due benevolence" refers

to "conjugal rights" (RSV).

"Jesus did not enforce celibacy upon any class of men. He

came not to destroy the sacred relationship of marriage, but to

exalt it and restore it to its original sanctity. He looks with

pleasure upon the family relationship where sacred and unself-

ish love bears sway."—The

Adventist Home,

p. 121.



THINK IT THROUGH



In what ways may an apparently "innocent" husband or

wife be guilty of contributing to a partner's moral lapse?



FURTHER STUDY



The Adventist Home,

pp. 121-128.

LESSON 8 November 13-19

8.ACHANGING

CHRISTIANITY

"After these things I saw another

angel come down from heaven,

having great power; and the earth was

lightened with his glory. And he cried

mightily with a strong voice, saying,,

Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen,

and is become the habitation of devils,

and the hold of every foul spirit, and a

cage of every unclean and hateful

bird" (Rev. 18:1, 2).

One phase of God's last message to

be given in the time of the end pertains

to the "fall" of spiritual Babylon. (See

Rev. 14:8.) The word "Babylon,"

which has come to mean "confusion,"

is used by John in the Revelation to

represent the religious confusion and

apostasy—especially Christian

apostasy—which would develop in

Christendom in the end time. The

message is designed to call those who

love Christ and who serve Him to the

best of their ability to separate

themselves from the ever-increasing

religious declension.

The message was first preached in

the summer of 1844 when the

Protestant bodies, particularly in

North America, rejected the

proclamation of the second advent of

Christ and expelled those members

who believed He was about to appear.

In turning against the doctrine of the

return of Christ, the churches suffered

a moral fall. But since the

mid-nineteenth century strange

developments have continued to take

place in the Christian religion.

According to Revelation 18:1-4 a

further emphasis was to be placed on

the moral fall of Babylon. The prophet

hears an angel proclaim mightily that

not only has Babylon fallen, but she

also has become "the habitation of

devils, and the hold of every foul

spirit, and a cage of every unclean and

hateful bird." A deep-seated

deterioration and the influence of

demonic agencies is here set forth.

In this week's lesson we shall survey

the sad facts of a greatly changed

Christianity. The onset of the theory of

evolution and higher critical studies of

the Bible have led to the development

of a liberal Christianity which has

rejected the authority of Scripture, its

miracles, prophecies; and teachings

regarding sin and salvation. The deity

of Christ, His virgin birth, His atoning

death and resurrection are likewise

denied. Such viewpoints have left

many Christians without an authority,

and without a gospel, and open to the

deceptions of Satan. Liberalism is

Christianity's self-inflicted wound. Its

progress and influence within

Christendom is a startling

commentary on the extent and moving

progression of Babylon's fall.

DAILY HIGHLIGHTS

1. Mother and Daughters

(Rev. 17:1-5)

2. The Scriptures Challenged

(2 Tim. 4:1-4)

3. A Failing Faith

(Luke 18:8; Matt. 24:12)

4. Denied Deity

(1 John 4:1-3)

5. Proposition or Encounter

(2 Tim. 3:16)

6. Altered Objectives

(Matt. 28:19, 20)

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

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A Changing Christianity

LESSON 8



❑

Sunday

November 13



Part 1



Under what symbol does John portray the organized reli-

MOTHER AND gious apostasy of the last days?



DAUGHTERS



"Come hither; I will shew unto thee the Judgment of the

great whore that sitteth upon many waters: with whom the

kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the

inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine

of her fornication.... And I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet

coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven

heads and ten horns.... And upon her forehead was a name

written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF

HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH" (Rev.

17:1-5).

In the Scriptures the professed followers of God are

figuratively represented as a woman (see Jer. 6:2) married to

God (see Isa. 54:5). Whenever God's people fraternized with the

world and corrupted their lives and teachings by adopting the

world's views, they committed spiritual adultery in the eyes of

God. (See Eze. 16:15; James 4:4.) Thus at times apostasy is

symbolized as a fallen, impure woman.

In the Revelation two symbolic women are presented. The

true people of God are symbolized by a pure, noble woman

clothed in gospel light (Revelation 12). The Christian apostasy is

symbolized by a fallen, impure woman who has illicit

connections with the rulers of the world (Revelation 17).

What biblical clues clearly identify this organized apos-

tasy? Rev. 17:3, 6, 18.

Only one professing Christian system has truly controlled to a

large extent the governments of the world and has been guilty of

slaying millions of Christians who differed with it. That is the

papacy.

Who would be the daughters of Babylon, depicted as being

like the mother in Revelation 17:5?

"Babylon is said to be 'the

mother

of harlots.' By her

daughters

must be symbolized churches that cling to her

doctrines and traditions, and follow her example of sacrificing

the truth and the approval of God, in order to form an unlawful

alliance with the world."—The

Great Controversy,

pp. 382, 383.

The symbol of daughters thus depicts similar apostasy in the

non-papal systems, that is to say, in Protestantism.



THINK IT THROUGH



Because a prophetic symbol may deal with apostasy in a

given Christian system, does it mean that all persons in the

system are apostate? (See Rev. 18:4.)



FURTHER STUDY



The Great Controversy,

pp. 381-390.

Changing Christianity

LESSON 8



❑

Monday

November 14



Part 2



What attitude against the Scriptures did the apostle Paul

THE SCRIPTURES forewarn would develop within the Christian faith?

CHALLENGED

"I charge you ... : preach the word.... For the time is coming

when people will not endure sound teaching, but having

itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to

suit their own likings, and will turn away from listening to the

truth and wander into myths" (2 Tim. 4:1-4, RSV).

The Christian religion rests upon two basic premises: (1)

There is a God, and (2) God has revealed Himself to man in the

Holy Scriptures. Yet a large portion of Christians in "the time of

the end" has rejected the authority of the Scriptures. And more

amazing is the fact that this change of attitude toward the Bible

developed largely in Protestantism which originally took as its

platform "the Bible and the Bible only"!

As noted in lesson 6, the entrance of the concepts of Darwin-

ian evolution in the mid-nineteenth century had a profound

influence on all areas of human thought. To the higher critical

Bible scholars who were already questioning the validity of

Scripture, it seemed to offer "scientific" proof that the first

chapters of Genesis were only myth and not genuine historical

records. At first there were attempts to harmonize the evolu-

tionary theory with the biblical account of Creation, but in time

liberal Protestantism gave this up. Eventually the authority of

the Scriptures was eroded away for those who accepted the

conclusions of evolution and higher criticism.

What biblical doctrine calls attention to the truth of the

Genesis account of Creation? Ex. 20:8-11; Mark 2:27.

"Many accept mere theories and speculations as scientific

facts, and they think that God's word is to be tested by the

teachings of 'science falsely so called.' 1 Timothy 6:20. . . .

Those who doubt the reliability of the records of the Old and

New Testaments too often go a step further and doubt the

existence of God and attribute infinite power to nature. Having

let go their anchor, they are left to beat about upon the rocks of

infidelity."—The

Great Controversy,

p. 522.



THINK IT THROUGH



Does the witness of the Bible conflict with that of nature? Or

does the problem lie with interpretations? Should one source

of witness have precedence over the other? Explain.



FURTHER STUDY



Education,

pp. 128-134.

Changing Christianity

LESSON 8



❑

Tuesday

November 15

Part 3



What did Jesus foresee would dwindle among His

A FAILING FAITH professed followers?

"When the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the

earth?" (Luke 18:8).

"Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax

cold" (Matt. 24:12).

It is hard to imagine the widespread effect that the concepts

of evolution in conjunction with higher critical studies of the

Scriptures have had on religious thought. The claim that man

has evolved upward from simple forms forces the conclusion

that man never fell morally, as the Scriptures assert. Hence, he

is not a sinner in need of saving grace. Thus in one stroke the

doctrine of sin and the plan of salvation are rejected.

Furthermore, natural processes allow for no miraculous

intervention by God. Thus all miracles in the Scriptures are at

once suspect and denied.

Upon what great miracle—the greatest of miracles—does

Christianity rest? 1 Cor. 15:13, 14.

Liberal Protestantism has not only denied the recorded

miracles of healing, but also the miracles of Creation, the virgin

birth, the resurrection of Jesus in victory, and predictive

prophecy.

What particular group of predictions would be openly

denied by some in the end time? 2 Peter 3:3, 4.

Higher critics see an evolutionary development of Israel's

beliefs from simple to more complex. This, together with other

factors, has led to dissecting and speculating as to when the Old

Testament books were written. Inspired authors have been

repudiated in favor of editors and compilers. Critical studies in

the Gospels by scholars have promoted the belief that one can

today know nothing about the real Jesus of history, but only the

early church's concept of Him.

THINK IT THROUGH

FURTHER STUDY

What are the evidences that assure me of the trustworthi-

ness of my Bible when so many Christians reject it?

"To many the Bible is as a lamp without oil, because they have

turned their minds into channels of speculative belief that bring

misunderstanding and confusion. The work of higher criticism,

in dissecting, conjecturing, reconstructing, is destroying faith

in the Bible as a divine revelation. It is robbing God's word of

power to control, uplift, and inspire human lives."

—The Acts of

the Apostles,

p. 474.

The Ministry of Healing,

pp. 427-429, 439, 440.

A Changing Christianity

LESSON 8



❑

Wednesday

November 16



Part 4



By what means did John propose to test the false views

DENIED DEITY about Christ which would be taught to Christians?

"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether

they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out

into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit

that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of

God" (1 John 4:1-3).

That person teaches the authentic Christian faith who

teaches that Christ is true Deity, who, by the mystery of the

incarnation, became truly man, God with us (John 1:1-3, 14).

One of the sad signs of the end time is the open denial of the full

deity of Christ, not only by liberal Christians, but also by other

groups who claim to follow the Bible.

What do the Scriptures teach about the deity of Christ? Phil.

2:5, 6; Col. 2:9.

How did Jesus assert His divine eternal nature? John 8:24,

28, 57-59.

What acknowledgement and worship did Jesus accept from

His followers? John 20:27-29.

•

"If men reject the testimony of the inspired Scriptures

concerning the deity of Christ, it is in vain to argue the point with

them; for no argument, however conclusive, could convince

them.... None who hold this error can have atrue conception of

the character or the mission of Christ, or of the great plan of God

for man's redemption."—The

Great Controversy,

p. 524.

What two other doctrines about Christ did Paul hold as basic

to the Christian faith? 1 Cor. 15:3, 4.

"The sacrifice of Christ as an atonement for sin is the great

truth around which all other truths cluster. In order to be rightly

understood and appreciated, every truth in the word of God,

from Genesis to Revelation, must be studied in the light that

streams from the cross of Calvary. I present before you the

great, grand monument of mercy and regeneration, salvation

and redemption,—the Son of God uplifted on the cross."—

Gospel Workers,

p. 315.



THINK IT THROUGH



What difference does it make whether one believes Christ is

true Deity or just an extraordinary human teacher? (See Matt.

16:13-17.)



FURTHER STUDY



Selected Messages,

bk. 1, pp. 246-251.

Changing Christianity

LESSON 8



❑

Thursday

November 17



Part 5



Why are the Scriptures authoritative in matters of doctrine

PROPOSITION and instruction?

OR ENCOUNTER

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable

for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righ-

teousness" (2 Tim. 3:16).

The Greek word translated "inspiration of God" means

literally, "God-breathed." Bible truths originated with God.

What Divine Agent was involved in transmitting Heaven's

messages to mankind? 2 Peter 1:20, 21.

The Holy Spirit qualified the Bible writers both to receive the

divine messages and to transmit them orally or in writing in a

trustworthy manner. These prophetic revelations became a

body of objective truth, disclosing to later generations the

revealed will of God. The possession of the written revelation of

God was one of the great advantages enjoyed by God's people.

(See Rom. 3:1, 2.)

In recent years a different concept of inspiration has been

introduced into the Christian world and has permeated the

seminaries and ministries of liberal Protestantism and Catholi-

cism. The view holds that when a Bible writer had an encounter

with God it was simply a mystical confrontation of Person to

person. No information was revealed. The prophet had only an

experience with God. Later, as the situation demanded, the

prophet wrote to meet the need. However, what he wrote was

not information from God, but his own ideas, a witness of his

encounter with God. But since it is his own message, it may

contain error both of fact and of theology. A reader of this

document may also experience a divine encounter in spite of its

errors, and at that point the document becomes inspired to him.

It can be readily seen that such a view permits the Bible to be

freely criticized according to human criteria, and that its divine

authority is destroyed. The Bible is no longer regarded as an

objective body of truth to guide and to correct the believer. The

source of knowledge about the Christian religion and its

requirements is at once nullified—and this by Christians

themselves.



THINK IT THROUGH



What effect will the Bible have on my life if I regard it as the

voice of God? As the opinions of holy men?

"Human reasoning and the imaginings of the human heart

are undermining the inspiration of the Word of God.... This is

one of the marked signs of the last

days."—Selected Messages,

bk. 1, p. 15.



FURTHER STUDY



Selected Messages,

bk. 1, pp. 15-23.

A Changing Christianity

LESSON 8



Friday

November 18



Part 6



What explicit command did Christ give His church?

ALTERED



OBJECTIVES



"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing

them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy

Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded

you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age"

(Matt. 28:19, 20, RSV).

As Christians preach the gospel under the power of the Holy

Spirit, what changes are wrought in those who accept it? John

3:3, 5; 1 Peter 1:23; 2 Cor. 5:17.

The objective of the gospel message is the salvation and the

transformation of the sinner. It is a one-by-one procedure. But

each converted individual exerts in turn an uplifting influence

upon others and his society.

With a changed view of the Scriptures and its doctrines there

also came into liberal Protestantism an altering of its objectives.

Since, in its opinion, man is not a lost sinner in need of salvation,

this wing of Christianity has turned to a "social gospel"—a

humanitarian attempt to better the physical and mental lot of

humanity by earthly and political means. Foreign missions have

declined since liberal Protestantism sees Christianity as only

one of a variety of religious roads leading heavenward.

Did Jesus teach that His kingdom of grace was to be

extended by social action for the masses, or by the ministry to

individual lives? John 4:13, 14.

"The Saviour attempted no civil reforms. He attacked no

national abuses, nor condemned the national enemies. He did

not interfere with the authority or administration of those in

power. He who was our example kept aloof from earthly

governments. Not because He was indifferent to the woes of

men, but because the remedy did not lie in merely human and

external measures. To be efficient, the cure must reach men

individually, and must regenerate the heart.

"Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative

assemblies ... is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the

implanting of Christ's nature in humanity through the work of

the Holy Spirit. . .. Here is the only power that can work the

uplifting of mankind. And the human agency for the ac-

complishment of this work is the teaching and practicing of the

word of God."—The

Desire of Ages,

pp. 509, 510.



THINK IT THROUGH



"The sure hope of a better age, is a better man."—John

Wesley. Does this preclude Christian social service?



FURTHER STUDY



Welfare Ministry,

pp. 29-34.

LESSON 9 November 20-26

9. MAIMS TRENDS

"As ye have therefore received

Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in

him: rooted and built up in him, and

stablished in the faith, as ye have

been taught, abounding therein with

thanksgiving. Beware lest any man

spoil you through philosophy and

vain deceit, after the tradition of

men, after the rudiments of the world,

and not after Christ" (Col. 2:6-8).

These divine admonitions, always

applicable, are especially pertinent to

God's people in this present century.

In these times of religious confusion

we need to be in full union with Christ,

and to have clear and solid reasons for

our faith which are fully sustained by

the plain testimony of Scripture.

This week we shall study in part

some of the religious trends occurring

in our times which Bible prophecy

foretold would take place in the time

of the end. These trends may appear

conflicting to us now, but they are the

surface movements and eddies of the

deeper controversy between God and

Satan which will eventually erupt

in the final crisis of the age.

Bible prophecy foretells the

resurgence of the papacy in the end

time and implies widespread

cooperation among the various

denominations of Christendom. We

already see the

partial

fulfillment of

these signs. At the same time we may

expect what will appear to be a great

revival of religious interest and a

strong emphasis on miracles. From

another angle there will also develop

a revival of and a growing interest

in non-Christian religions.

Along with such developments, one

of the most important signs of the

times is God's own last-day movement

which He has raised up to be an Elijah

and a John the Baptist to the last

generation of mankind.

May the study of this week assist in

confirming each of us in the

eternal verities and certainties of the

truths held by the remnant people in

these awesome times.

DAILY HIGHLIGHTS

A Revived Papacy

(Rev. 13:3)

Ecumenical Movements

(Rev. 13:11-14).

Counterfeit Revivals

(Matt. 24:11)

Prophecy Perverted

(Matt. 24:23-26)

Resurgence of Non-Christian

Religions (Rev. 16:13)

Adventist Action

(Rev. 14:6)

Religious Trends

LESSON 9



❑

Sunday

November 20



Part 1



According to John, what religious organization would excite

A REVIVED the admiration of the modern world in the time of the end?

PAPACY

"One of its heads seemed to have a mortal wound, but its

mortal wound was healed, and the whole earth followed the

beast with wonder" (Rev. 13:3, RSV).

As we have seen from our earlier studies, the period known as

"the time of the end" began with the wounding of the papal

power in 1798. The abolition of papal civil rule and the setting up

of the French republic meant the full death of the system to the

thinking people of that period. But prophecy foretold a healing

of that wound. The papacy suffered another setback in 1870

when the newly unified kingdom of Italy took over the Papal

States. However, since the 1929 Concordat between the Vatican

and the Italian government (which restored the pope's political

control over the Vatican State), the papacy has been steadily

growing in power and influence throughout the world.

What will be the nearly universal attitude toward the papacy

near the end? Rev. 13:4.

There has been an astounding change in attitude toward the

papacy by Protestants and others since the pontificate of John

XXIII and Vatican Council II (1962-1965) at which time the

Roman Church sought to orient itself in a more meaningful

manner to the modern world. That council has markedly re-

duced the tensions between the Roman communion and other

groups and ushered in an era of dialogue. As a result many

Christians of different persuasions are willing to see a renewed

papacy functioning as a visible sign of the unity of the Church.

How supreme will Rome become again? Rev. 13:8.

"The Scriptures teach that popery is to regain its lost

supremacy."—Ellen G. White Comments,

SDA Bible Commen-

tary, vol.

7, p. 975.

"Protestants have tampered with and patronized popery; they

have made compromises and concessions which papists them-

selves are surprised to see and fail to understand. Men are

closing their eyes to the real character of Romanism and the

dangers to be apprehended from her supremacy."—The

Great

Controversy,

p. 566.



THINK IT THROUGH



Vatican Council II emphasized the importance of the Bible

and its study. How can I use this Interest in Bible study to help

my Catholic friends get a clearer picture of God's plan for

humanity?



FURTHER STUDY



The Great Controversy,

pp. 563-568.

Religious. Trends

LESSON 9



❑

Monday

November 21

Part 2



What cooperative efforts are implied in the prophecy of the

ECUMENICAL two-horned beast and the establishment of "the image of the

MOVEMENTS beast"?

"I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he

had two horns Ilke a Iamb, and he spake as a dragon. And he

exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and

causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the

first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.. . .

[He says]

to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an

image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did

live" (Rev. 13:11-14).

Adventist Bible students have long recognized that the two-

horned beast symbolizes Protestant America. The prophecy

implies cooperation between Protestantism and Catholicism.

Protestant America is depicted as causing its people to show

homage to the beast and form an image to it. In its fullest

development the papacy is a union of church and state with the

church controlling the state. To form an "image" of this would

require the religious forces of the nation to be strong enough to

control the state and to employ it to further the ends of religion.

But to obtain such influence would require a large degree of

cooperation and fraternity among the various church commu-

nions. One of the religious phenomena particularly vigorous in

the twentieth century is the ecumenical movement among

Christians, an active movement to foster Christian unity and

cooperation

What will be the final cooperative effort of Christendom?

Rev. 19:11, 19, 20.

THINK IT THROUGH

"The wide diversity of belief in the Protestant churches is

regarded by many as decisive proof that no effort to secure a

forced uniformity can even be made. But there has been for

years, in churches of the Protestant faith, a strong and growing

sentiment in favor of a union based upon common points of

doctrine. To secure such a union, the discussion of subjects

upon which all were not agreed—however important they might

be from a Bible standpoint—must necessarily be waived

."—The

Great Controversy,

p. 444.

One by-product of some modern church mergers and of

councils of churches is to constitute a block of public opinion

and thus become a political force.

Jesus prayed that His people might be one (John 17). How

only can true unity of Christians be achieved?

FURTHER STUDY



The Great Controversy,

pp. 440-445.

Religious Trends

LESSON 9



❑

Tuesday

November 22



Part 3



Against what religious development did Christ forewarn His

COUNTERFEIT people who would be living in the end time?



REVIVALS



"Many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many"

(Matt. 24:11).

What made false religious teachers in the Corinth church so

deceptive? 2 Cor. 11:13-15.

"The path of error often appears to lie close to the path of

truth. It is hardly distinguishable from the path that leads to

holiness and heaven. But the mind enlightened by the Holy

Spirit may discern that it is diverging from the right way. After a

while the two are seen to be widely

separated."—Testimonies,

vol.

pp. 290, 291.

What may accompany counterfeit religion that makes it

convincing to many? Matt. 24:24.

A worldwide religious phenomenon which has attracted great

attention in recent years is the charismatic movement, some-

times referred to as neo-Pentecostalism. Its emphasis is upon

speaking in tongues (glossolalia). The movement has made

deep inroads into Roman Catholicism as well as into the old-line

Protestant denominations. Because it has leaped denomina-

tional walls and has been embraced by Christians of various

persuasions, it is viewed by many as the force that will ac-

complish the ecumenical objectives. Many hail it as a genuine

manifestation of the Holy Spirit.

What tests must the Christian apply to any message even

though It may appear very Christian? Isa. 8:20; Matt. 7:15, 16,

1 John 4:1-3.

"The enemy of souls desires to hinder this work [the true

outpouring of the Spirit]; and before the time for such a move-

ment shall come, he will endeavor to prevent it by introducing a

counterfeit. In those churches which he can bring under his

deceptive power he will make it appear that God's special bless-

ing is poured out; there will be manifest what is thought to be

great religious interest. Multitudes will exult that God is working

marvelously for them, when the work is that of another spirit.

Under a religious guise, Satan will seek to extend his influence

over the Christian world."—The

Great Controversy.

p. 464.



THINK IT THROUGH



Why would the fact that the charismatic movement unites

persons of diverse communions by experience rather than by

the teaching of Scripture make It suspect?



FURTHER STUDY



Testimonies, vol.

1, pp. 412-414.

Religious Trends

LESSON 9



❑

Wednesday

November 23



Part 4



Jesus warned his follciwers to expect deceptive teachings

PROPHECY on what important prophetic subject in the end time?

PERVERTED

"Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or

there; believe it not.... Behold, I have told you before. Where-

fore If they shall say unto you, Behold, he is In the desert; go

not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe It not"

(Matt. 24:23-26).

While liberal Protestantism has rejected the validity of Bible

prophecy, conservative Protestants have largely adopted the

system of prophetic interpretation known as futurism or dis-

pensationalism. Popularized by the notes of the Scofield Bible

and more recent works, "Futurism" is a perversion of the

prophecies with roots reaching back to the Catholic Counter-

Reformation. The view separates the seventieth week of Daniel

9 from its context, placing it at the end of the age. The

prophecies of the antichrist (little horn; leopard beast; man of

sin) are applied to a single person. Prophecies about Israel are

misapplied to teach a restored Judaism. The second advent is

divided into two phases: First, according to this view, there is

"secret rapture" at the beginning of the seventieth week, at

which time the "church" is taken to heaven. Then, it is taught,

an open coming will occur seven years later, at which time

Christ will establish His personal reign on the earth for a millen-

nium. The preaching of the "secret rapture" in connection with

a future restoration of the Jews has become very popular in our

times among conservative Christians.

According to Jesus, how open and known will His coming

be? Matt. 24:27; Rev. 1:7.

"The Saviour has warned His people against deception upon

this point, and has clearly foretold the manner of His second

coming.... This coming there is no possibility of counterfeiting.

It will be universally known—witnessed by the whole world."—

The Great Controversy,

p. 625.

What will be heard by all at Christ's return? What will take

place among the righteous? 1 Thess. 4:16, 17.

Where does Christ take His redeemed ones? 1 Thess. 4:17;

John 14:1-3. Where does John see them? Rev. 7:9, 10.



THINK IT THROUGH



Why are false teachers, who cite the Bible for support, more

deceptive than those who openly deny the Bible?



FURTHER STUDY



SDA Bible Commentary, vol.

7, pp. 884-887.

Religious Trends

LESSON 9



❑

Thursday

November 24



Part 5



From the mouths of what three symbols of religious powers

RESURGENCE OF did John see demon spirits issue forth?

NON-CHRISTIAN



RELIGIONS



"I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth

of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the

mouth of the false prophet" (Rev. 16:13).

In the book of Revelation the "dragon" is first depicted in

chapter 12. There it is identified primarily as Satan (Rev. 12:9),

and secondarily as the power of pagan Rome which sought to

destroy Christ (verses 4, 5). In chapter 16 the "dragon" may be

understood as representing pagan or non-Christian religions.

For centuries Satan opposed God through paganism; later he

was successful in compromising Christianity with paganism.

With what fervor may we expect Satan to work near the end?

What kind of religious teachings may we expect to become

prominent? Rev. 12:12; 1 Tim. 4:1.

The resurgence of non-Christian religions is a modern

phenomenon. Millions in both the East and the West are turning

to modernized forms of Buddhism, Hinduism, and other Orien-

tal religions. Some young people in traditionally Christian coun-

tries know more about Krishna than they do about Christ. Many

developing nations are reviving their ancient native religions to

increase the national consciousness. Such movements hinder

the preaching of the gospel.

"As we near the close of time, there will be greater and still

greater external parade of heathen power; heathen deities will

manifest their signal power, and will exhibit themselves before

the cities of the

world."—Testimonies to Ministers,

pp. 117, 118.

Through whom only can genuine salvation and happiness

be obtained? Why? John 14:6. (Compare Acts 4:12.)

"The principle that man can save himself by his own works lay

at the foundation of every heathen religion. . . . Wherever it is

held, men have no barrier against sin."—The

Desire of Ages,

pp.

35, 36.

What exclusive claim did Jesus make? Are all religions

doors to the same place? John 10:1, 7-9.



THINK IT THROUGH



What explanation can you give (apart from satanic influ-

ence) for the avid interest in non-Christian religions of many

modern persons.



FURTHER STUDY



The Desire of Ages,

p. 478;

Selected Messages,

bk. 2, p. 56.

Religious Trends

LESSON 9



❑

Friday

November 25



Part 6



What features of the first angel's message symbolize the

ADVENTIST speed and the extensive outreach of the final gospel invite-

ACTION tion?

"And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having

the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the

earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and

people" (Rev. 14:6).

The Seventh-day Adventist movement itself is a remarkable

sign of the times. Organizing its General Conference in 1863

with a membership of about 3500 and 30 ministerial workers,

the movement has grown to more than 2.5 million, some 82

percent being outside North America. Today Adventists pro-

claim their message in 559 languages. By means of radio and

television the message is literally sounding through the air.

What three lines of endeavor did Jesus pursue in proclaim-

ing the gospel? Matt. 4:23.

The advent movement works in these same three areas—

Christian education, evangelistic outreach, and medical mis-

sionary work. By these agencies we seek to uplift Christ and to

draw mankind to Him in preparation for His coming.

"The greatest wealth of truth ever entrusted to mortals, the

most solemn and fearful warnings ever sent by God to man,

have been committed to them to be given to the world; and in

the accomplishment of this work our publishing houses are

among the most effective

agencies."—Testimonies, vol.

7, p.

138.

What parable continues to depict the external growth of the

church? Matt. 13:31, 32.

"In this last generation the parable of the mustard seed is to

reach a signal and triumphant fulfillment. The little seed will

become a tree. The last message of warning and mercy is to go

to 'every nation, and kindred, and tongue' (Rev. 14:6-14), 'to

take out of them a people for His name' (Acts

15:14)."—Christ's

Object Lessons,

p. 79.



THINK IT THROUGH



What can I do within my sphere to help God's last-day

movement fulfill its divine commission?

"There is a great work to be done, and every effort possible

must be made to reveal Christ ... ; and the Lord will give us favor

before the world until our work is

done."—Testimonies, vol.

pp. 20, 21.



FURTHER STUDY



Christ's Object Lessons, "Like

a Grain of Mustard Seed," pp.

76-79.

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

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

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

- • *

LESSON 10 November 27 to December 3

10. FASCINATION WITH

THE OCCULT

"They worshipped the dragon

which gave power unto the

beast" (Rev. 13:4).

"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly,

that in the latter times some shall

depart from the faith, giving heed to

seducing spirits, and doctrines of

devils" (1 Tim. 4:1).

In this last quarter of the twentieth

century no other religious

phenomenon is stranger than the

revival and resurgence of the occult

arts. All the trappings of ancient

heathenism are again being displayed

in modern times. Magic, witchcraft,

astrology, Satanism, and the whole

range of the occult have become very

popular—not only among the masses,

but also among the highly educated.

Millions daily consult their horo-

scopes which are published in

hundreds of newspapers. Covens of

modern-day witches meet regularly.

Supplies for sorcery and related

occult activities are sold in stores now

established for that purpose. Ouija

boards and like devices may be

purchased in ordinary department

stores. Spiritism and interest in demon

possession and exorcism is

widespread in our times. Many are

literally worshiping the dragon, Satan,

and are giving heed to the seducing

doctrines of devils. And all this is

occurring in an age of highly

developed science and widespread

education, an age which has

increasingly emphasized the

competency of man and his ability to

solve his own problems apart from

God.

The occult was one aspect of

heathenism which proved a strong

temptation to ancient Israel. This week

we wish to study the counsels God

gave Israel regarding occult arts. The

divine judgment on the occult in

ancient times is still the same today.

DAILY HIGHLIGHTS

Horoscopes or Christian Hope

(Jer. 10:2, 3)

Forbidden Practices

(Deut. 18:9-11)

Judgment on the Occult Arts

(Isa. 47:9)

Frustrated Fortune-tellers

(Dan. 2:27, 28)

Books of Magic

(Acts 19:18, 19)

Demon Possession

(Mark 1:23-25)

Fascination With the Occult

LESSON 10



❑

Sunday

November 27



Part 1



God cautioned Israel not to be concerned and anxious over

HOROSCOPES OR what heathen system of predicting?

CHRISTIAN HOPE

"Thus saith the Lord, Learn not the way of the heathen, and

be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are

dismayed at them. For the customs of the people are vain"

(Jer. 10:2, 3).

Astrology seems to have had its origin in Mesopotamia. The

assumption upon which ancient astrology rested was that the

movements of the celestial bodies affected human destinies.

Hence, the ancients were concerned to analyze carefully such

celestial phenomena as eclipses, comets, and the conjunctions

of the heavenly bodies. The earliest known text giving a horo-

scope is dated April 29, 410 BC.

Although we live in a very scientific age, millions have turned

to a revived astrology to find answers to their problems. Christ,

however, not stars, is the only satisfying solution.

To whom do the orderly but inanimate heavenly bodies

direct man's attention? Ps. 19:1; 8:3, 4.

What does the Creator wish to assure His earthly children

when they behold the stars? Isa. 40:26-31; Ps. 147:3-5.

"Keep your wants, your joys, your sorrows, your cares, and

your fears before God. You cannot burden Him; you cannot

weary Him. He who numbers the hairs of your head is not

indifferent to the wants of His children.... Take to Him every-

thing that perplexes the mind. Nothing is too great for Him to

bear, for He holds up worlds, He rules over all the affairs of the

universe.... The relations between God and each soul are as

distinct and full as though there were not another soul upon the

earth to share His watchcare, not another soul for whom He

gave His beloved

Son."—Steps to Christ,

p. 100.

Where does the Christian find his source of guidance in all

the affairs of life? Ps. 73:23, 24; Matt. 4:4.

"Each morning consecrate yourself to God for that day. Sur-

render all your plans to Him, to be carried out or given up as His

providence shall indicate. Thus day by day you may be giving

your life into the hands of God, and thus your life will be molded

more and more after the life of Christ."—Steps

to Christ,

p. 70.



THINK IT THROUGH



Why are rational and often highly educated people at-

tracted to astrology in these modern times?



FURTHER STUDY



Education,

pp. 99, 100, 103, 104.

Fascination With the Occult

LESSON 10



❑

Monday

November 28



Part 2



What practices did God expressly forbid Israel to learn or to

FORBIDDEN adopt?

PRACTICES

"When thou art come into the land which the Lord thy God

giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations

of those nations. There shall not be found among you any one

that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or

that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter,

or a witch, or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a

Wizard, or a necromancer" (Deut. 18:9-11).

The Canaanites whom Israel dispossessed were a deeply de-

praved people, and their influence and practices were degrad-

ing; hence, the straightforward warning to Israel.

A diviner might consult arrows, images, or animal livers in

seeking information or guidance (Eze. 21:21). An "observer of

times," literally, "of the clouds," may have been one who based

his predictions on a study of the clouds. The "enchanter" and

the "consulter with familiar spirits" were spirit mediums. The

"wizard" was also one who alleged to have special knowledge

from contact with the dead. Witchcraft or sorcery pertained to

those persons who employed powers gained from evil spirits,

and who at times used chemical substances. "A charmer,"

literally, "a tier of knots," refers to the making and wearing of

magic cords and knots as spells against evil.

Why did God command His people not to engage in these

pagan practices? Deut. 18:12.

What counsel did Paul give to the Ephesian members which

is also good counsel for modern Christians who might be

tempted to dabble in revived occultism? Eph. 5:11; 6:11, 12.

"There are many who become restless when they cannot

know the definite outcome of affairs. They cannot endure un-

certainty, and in their impatience they refuse to wait to see the

salvation of God. Apprehended evils drive them nearly dis-

tracted. They give way to their rebellious feelings, and run hither

and thither in passionate grief, seeking intelligence concerning

that which has not been revealed. If they would but trust in God,

and watch unto prayer, they would find divine consolation.

Their spirit would be calmed by communion with God."—

Patriarchs and Prophets,

p. 687.



THINK IT THROUGH



What are some disadvantages of knowing the details of

one's immediate future?



FURTHER STUDY



Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,

pp. 100, 101;

The

Ministry of Healing,

pp. 480-482.

Fascination With the Occult

LESSON 10



❑

Tuesday

November 29

Part 3

JUDGMENT ON THE

OCCULT ARTS

THINK IT THROUGH

FURTHER STUDY

What is one of the reasons God gave for the overthrow of

ancient Babylon?

"These two things shall come to thee in a moment in one

day, the loss of children, and widowhood: they shall come

upon

thee

in their perfection for the multitude of thy sorceries,

and for the great abundance of thine enchantments" (Ise.

47:9).

The great interest of the Babylonians in the occult arts is

attested to by classical writers and archaeological data.

In determining to deliver the Jews from Babylonian captiv-

ity, whom did the God of heaven say He would frustrate? isa.

44:24, 25.

Who were unable to assist Belshazzar and the nation of

Babylon on its last night of revelry to read the message on the

wall? Dan. 5:7, 8.

"Hushed was the boisterous mirth, while men and women,

seized with nameless terror, watched the hand slowly tracing

the mysterious characters. . . . They seemed to be arraigned

before the judgment bar of the eternal God, whose power they

had just defied."—Prophets

and Kings,

p. 524.

The destructive Judgments which fell on the mighty Babylo-

nian Empire were also predicted to fall upon what class of

persons? Isa. 47:13, 14.

In the judgments pronounced on Babylon's practitioners of

occult arts we may see God's attitude toward these activities.

God is no respecter of persons. What was wrong then is wrong

today. Christians dabble at their eternal peril.

"The magicians of heathen times have their counterpart in

the spiritualistic mediums, the clairvoyants, and the fortune-

tellers of today. The mystic voices that spoke at Endor and at

Ephesus are still by their lying words misleading the children of

men. Could the veil be lifted from before our eyes, we should see

evil angels employing all their arts to deceive and to destroy.

Wherever an influence is exerted to cause men to forget God,

there Satan is exercising his bewitching power. When men yield

to his influence, ere they are aware the mind is bewildered and

the soul polluted."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

p. 290.

To many persons such things as the Ouija board, palm read-

ing, fortune-telling are simply fun things. Why can the in-

formed Christian not take the occult arts lightly or have any

part in them?

The Great Controversy,

pp. 507, 508.

Fascination With the Occult

LESSON 10



❑

Wednesday

November 30

Part 4



What experience in Daniel's early service in Babylon ex-

FRUSTRATED posed the falseness of heathen astrology?

FORTUNE-TELLERS

THINK IT THROUGH

"Daniel answered In the presence of the king, and said, The

secret which the king hath demanded cannot the wise men,

the astrologers, the magicians, the soothsayers, shew unto

the king; but there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets,

and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be

in the latter days" (Dan. 2:27, 28).

Although these leaders in the occult arts claimed contact

with superhuman spirits and powers, what did they openly

admit on this occasion? Dan. 2:10, 11.

What was their experience some years later when they

were told the monarch's dream? Dan. 4:7, 18.

"Once more in this idolatrous nation, testimony was to be

borne to the fact that only those who love and fear God can

understand the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven."—

Prophets and Kings,

p. 516.

Who only is omniscient and can truly foretell the future? Isa.

46:9, 10.

Satan cannot know the future. He is an astute student of

human nature. He controls many persons and has considerable

freedom to create events as he will. These factors enable evil

agencies to make predictions. But it is well known that the

spirits often err in their forecasts.

"Satan closely watches events, and when he finds one who

has a specially strong spirit of opposition to the truth of God he

will even reveal to him unfulfilled events, that he may more

firmly secure himself a seat in his heart. ...

"Those who have bitterly opposed the truth of God, Satan

uses as his mediums. To such he will appear in the assumed

person and garb of another, it may be a friend of the medium. He

will increase their faith by using the words of this friend and

relating circumstances which are about to take place or which

really have taken place and of which the medium knew nothing.

Sometimes previous to a death or an accident he gives a dream

or, personating another, converses with the medium, even im-

parting knowledge by means of his suggestions. But it is wis-

dom from beneath and not from

above."—Testimonies,

vol. 2,

pp. 171, 172.

Why do you think people—even in high places such as

government—continually consult fortune-tellers and clair-

voyants even though their predictions are often wrong?

Fascination With the Occult

LESSON 10



❑

Thursday

December 1



Part 5



Convicted of the wrongness in participating in the occult

BOOKS OF MAGIC arts, what did the Ephesian Christians do?

"Many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed

their deeds. Many of them also which used curious arts

brought their books together, and burned them before all

men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty

thousand pieces of silver" (Acts 19:18, 19).

"These [magical] arts were almost a specialty in Ephesus. The

magicians and astrologers were about in great numbers, and

carried on a brisk trade in charms, books of divination, and rules

for interpreting dreams. The so-called 'Ephesian spells,' or

`Ephesian writings'

(Ephesia grammata)

were small slips of

parchment kept in silk bags, and on these slips were written

archaic words of obscure meaning."—SDA

Bible Commentary,

vol. 6, p. 376.

What experience had occurred which led new believers to

burn their books on the occult arts? Acts 19:13-20.

"By burning their books on magic, the Ephesian converts

showed that the things in which they had once delighted they

now abhorred. It was by and through magic that they had espe-

cially offended God and imperiled their souls; and it was against

magic that they showed such indignation. Thus they gave evi-

dence of true conversion.

"These treatises on divination contained rules and forms of

communication with evil spirits. They were the regulations of

the worship of Satan—directions for soliciting his help and

obtaining information from him. By retaining these books the

disciples would have exposed themselves to temptation; by

selling them they would have placed temptation in the way of

others. They had renounced the kingdom of darkness, and to

destroy its power they did not hesitate at any sacrifice."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

pp. 288, 289.

With what kind of information should the Christian fill his

mind? Prov. 23:23; Col. 2:3, 10.

"Many will never be convinced that it is bliss to be ignorant of

a certain kind of knowledge, which arises from unsanctified

desires and unholy aims. The sons and daughters of Adam are

fully as inquisitive and presumptuous as was Eve in seeking

forbidden

knowledge."—Testimonies,

vol. 5, p. 504.



THINK IT THROUGH



What kinds of books might be as destructive to Christian

experience as books dealing with the occult? See "Messages

to Young People," pp. 275-278.



FURTHER STUDY



The Acts of the Apostles,

pp. 286-290.

Fascination With the Occult

LESSON 10



❑

Friday

December 2



Part 6



What was it that enabled the man in the synagogue of

DEMON POSSESSION Capernaum to recognize the deity of Jesus?

"There was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit;

and he cried out, saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with

thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I

know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God. And Jesus

rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him"

(Mark 1:23-25).

"The fact that men have been possessed with demons, is

clearly stated in the New Testament. The persons thus afflicted

were not merely suffering with disease from natural causes.

Christ had perfect understanding of that with which He was

dealing, and He recognized the direct presence and agency of

evil spirits."—The

Great Controversy,

p. 514.

To what extent did the demons degrade and ruin the two

Gadarene men Jesus met? Mark 5:1-19. (Compare Matt.

8:28-34.)

"The encounter with the demoniacs of Gergesa had a lesson

for the disciples. It showed the depths of degradation to which

Satan is seeking to drag the whole human race, and the mission

of Christ to set men free from his power. Those wretched be-

ings, dwelling in the place of graves, possessed by demons, in

bondage to uncontrolled passions and loathsome lusts, repre-

sent what humanity would become if given up to satanic juris-

diction. Satan's influence is constantly exerted upon men to

distract the senses, control the mind for evil, and incite to

violence and crime. He weakens the body, darkens the intellect,

and debases the soul."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 341.



•

What is required of the Christian who seeks to help the

demon possessed to find freedom in Christ and release from

Satan's control? Matt. 17:19-21.

Jealousy of the three intimate disciples of Christ, a careless,

self-sufficient attitude, and unbelief caused the nine disciples to

fail in casting out the demon. (See

The Desire of Ages,

pp. 430,

431.)

What formerly devil-possessed person became the first

proclaimer of the resurrection of Christ? Mark 16:9.



THINK IT THROUGH



Why is it true that any who sin knowingly, and who willfully

tamper with evil may become demon possessed?



FURTHER STUDY



The Great Controversy,

pp. 511-517.

LESSON 11 December 4-10

"I saw three unclean spirits like

frogs come out of the mouth of the

dragon, and out of the mouth of the

beast, and out of the mouth of the

false prophet. For they are the spirits

of devils, working miracles, which go

forth unto the kings of the earth and of

the whole world, to gather them to the

battle of the great day of God

Almighty" (Rev. 16:13, 14).

Since 1848, the birth date for

modern spiritualism in New York,

interest in its various forms has grown

enormously. Many prominent

personalities have both pursued and

promoted its progress. Spiritualism

has in some respects taken the form of

a religion. There are spiritist

"churches," services, and ministry.

But spiritualism in our times is but a

rebirth of ancient heathen spiritism.

Its revival and widespread acceptance

is a warning sign of the intense activity

on the part of the devils to turn the

minds of earth's last generations away

from God and His final message of

mercy.

"Spiritualism is about to take the

world captive. There are many who

think that Spiritualism is upheld

through trickery and imposture, but

this is far from the truth. Superhuman

power is working in a variety of ways,

and few have any idea as to what will

be the manifestations of Spiritualism

in the future. The foundation for the

success of Spiritualism has been laid in

the assertions that have been made

from the pulpits of our land. The

ministers have proclaimed as Bible

doctrines falsehoods that have

originated with the arch deceiver.

'The doctrine of consciousness

after death, of the spirits of the dead

being in communion with the living,

has no foundation in the Scriptures,

and yet these theories are affirmed as

truth. Through this false doctrine the

way has been opened for the spirits of

devils to deceive the people in

representing themselves as the dead.

Satanic agencies personate the dead

and thus bring souls into

captivity."—Evangelism, pp. 602,603.

This week we will examine the

Bible's teaching about spiritualism.

The inspired counsels and warnings

made in Bible times are applicable to

Christians living in the time of the end,

for Satan is making extraordinary

efforts to deceive all levels of

humanity in order to bring all under

his control.

DAILY HIGHLIGHTS

1. The Spirits of Spiritualism

(Neh. 9:6)

2. The First Lie

(Gen. 3:2-4)

3. Ancient Admonitions

(Lev. 19:31)

4. False Forms of Guidance

(1 Sam. 28:6)

5. The Spirits and the State

(Isa. 8:19)

6. Dangerous Deceptions

(2 Cor. 11:3)

Spreading Spiritualism

LESSON 11



❑

Sunday

December 4

Part 1

THE SPIRITS OF

SPIRITUALISM

What is the origin of angels?

"Thou, even thou, art Lord alone; thou hast made heaven,

the heaven of heavens, with all their host ... ; and the host of

heaven worshippeth thee" (Neh. 9:6).

Angels and mankind are created beings. What is their rela-

tionship? Ps. 8:3-5.

What task has been assigned to holy angels? Ps. 91:11;

Matt. 18:10.

What are the holy angels called In Hebrews 1:14?

"The connection of the visible with the invisible world, the

ministration of angels of God, and the agency of evil spirits, are

plainly revealed in the Scriptures, and inseparably interwoven

with human history... .

"Before the creation of man, angels were in existence; for

when the foundations of the earth were laid, 'the morning stars

sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.' Job.

38:7. After the fall of man, angels were sent to guard the tree of

life, and this before a human being had died. Angels are in

nature superior to men."—The

Great Controversy,

p. 511.

What is the origin of evil angels? Rev. 12:9; 2 Peter 2:4.

Sin originated among the angels of heaven. Those who re-

fused to live in obedience were expelled.

"Evil spirits, in the beginning created sinless, were equal in

nature, power, and glory with the holy beings that are now

God's messengers."—The

Great Controversy,

p. 513.

How are these evil supernatural powers referred to by Paul?

Eph. 2:2; 6:12.

"We do not understand as we should the great conflict going

on between invisible agencies, the controversy between loyal

and disloyal angels. Over every man, good and evil angels strive.

This is no make-believe conflict."—Evangelism, p. 704.



THINK IT THROUGH



Actors can portray apt characterizations of other people.

Why would this be easy for evil angels to do?



FURTHER STUDY



The Great Controversy,

pp. 492-499.

Spreading Spiritualism

LESSON 11



❑

Monday

December 5

Part 2



What was the first lie ever told on earth? By whom was it

THE FIRST LIE told?

"The woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of

the trees of the garden: but of the fruit of the tree which is in

the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it,

neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto

the woman, Ye shall not surely die" (Gen. 3:2-4).

It is upon this lie—the natural immortality of the soul—that

Satan erected the pagan religions with their various views of the

afterlife.

"Nearly all forms of ancient sorcery and witchcraft were

founded upon a belief in communion with the dead... .

"This same belief in communion with the dead formed the

cornerstone of heathen idolatry. The gods of the heathen were

believed to be the deified spirits of departed heroes. Thus the

religion of the heathen was a worship of the dead... .

"Modern spiritualism and the forms of ancient witchcraft and

idol worship—all having communion with the dead as their vital

principle—are founded upon that first

lie."—Patriarchs and

Prophets,

pp. 684, 685.

What does the Bible teach about the condition of a person in

death? Ecci. 9:5, 6, 10. (Compare Ps. 88:10-12.)

Whether in the Old or in the New Testament, how does the

Bible consistently describe death? Why? 1 Kings 2:1, 2, 10;

John 11:11-14.

"Many expected to hear from Lazarus a wonderful account of

scenes witnessed after death. They were surprised that he told

them nothing. He had nothing of this kind to tell. Inspiration

declares, 'The dead know not anything.

-The

Desire of Ages,

pp. 557, 558.

Can the dead in some manner return to their former homes?

Job 7:9, 10.

"Two main planks in Spiritualism's platform are: First, that

those who have 'passed on' are conscious and can communi-

cate with us; that there is no death, but a continuation of life;

and second, that there is hope in the hereafter for the most

sinful."—LeRoy Edwin Froom,

The Prophetic Faith of Our Fa-

thers

(Washington, DC: Review and Herald, 1954), vol. 4, p.

1238.

THINK IT THROUGH



Since the Bible asserts that the dead are unconscious, who

are the beings the spiritualist communicates with?

FURTHER STUDY



Patriarchs and Prophets,

pp. 683-689.

Spreading Spiritualism

LESSON 11



❑

Tuesday

December 6



Part 3



Against what persons did God warn the Israelites?

ANCIENT



ADMONITIONS



"Do not turn to mediums or wizards; do not seek them out, to

be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God" (Lev. 19:31, RSV).

The Hebrew for "medium" is rendered in the KJV as "them

that have familiar spirits," referring to the evil spirit to which the

medium has recourse.

"It is fondly supposed that heathen superstitions have disap-

peared before the civilization of the twentieth century. But the

word of God and the stern testimony of facts declare that sor-

cery is practiced in this age as verily as in the days of the

old-time magicians. The ancient system of magic is, in reality,

the same as what is now known as modern spiritualism. Satan is

finding access to thousands of minds by presenting himself

under the guise of departed friends.... The dead do not hold

communion with the living. But true to his early cunning, Satan

employs this device in order to gain control of minds.

"Through spiritualism many of the sick, the bereaved, the

curious, are communicating with evil spirits. All who venture to

do this are on dangerous ground."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

pp. 289, 290.

What punishment was inflicted upon spirit mediums in the

days of the Israelite theocracy? Lev. 20:27.

Which of Israel's kings were especially noted for their en-

deavors to stamp out spiritualism from among God's people?

1 Sam. 28:3; 2 Kings 23:24.

"Spiritualists are increasing in numbers. They will come to

men who have the truth as Satan came to Christ. . .. The only

safety for the people of God is to be thoroughly conversant with

their Bibles, and be intelligent upon the reasons of our faith in

regard to the sleep of the dead.

"Satan is a cunning foe. And it is not difficult for the evil

angels to represent both saints and sinners who have died, and

make these representations visible to human eyes. These man-

ifestations will be more frequent, and developments of a more

startling character will appear as we near the close of time."—

Evangelism,

p. 604.

What warning was given to Israel about consulting spirit

mediums? Lev. 20:6.



THINK IT THROUGH



What did Satan use as his first medium? Gen. 3:1. With

whom was Eve actually conversing?



FURTHER STUDY



The Great Controversy,

pp. 551-553.

Spreading Spiritualism

LESSON 11



❑

Wednesday

December 7

Part 4

FALSE FORMS

OF GUIDANCE

At a time of crisis in Israel, what response did Saul receive

from his earnest prayers for guidance?

"When Saul enquired of the Lord, the Lord answered him

not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets" (1 Sam.

28:6).

"The Lord never turned away a soul that came to Him in

sincerity and humility. Why did he turn Saul away unanswered?

The king had by his own act forfeited the benefits of all the

methods of inquiring of God. He had rejected the counsel of

Samuel the prophet; he had exiled David, the chosen of God; he

had slain the priests of the Lord. Could he expect to be

answered by God when he had cut off the channels of com-

munication that Heaven had ordained? He had sinned away the

Spirit of grace, and could he be answered by dreams and revela-

tions from the Lord?"

—Patriarchs and Prophets,

p. 676.

In his desperation what did Saul request? Into what experi-

ence did he voluntarily enter? 1 Sam. 28:7-20.

"It was not pardon for sin and reconciliation with God, that he

sought, but deliverance from his foes. By his own stubbornness

and rebellion he had cut himself off from God. There could be

no return but by the way of penitence and contrition; but the

proud monarch, in his anguish and despair, determined to seek

help from another

source."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

p. 676.

What prediction did the apparition make with regard to Saul

and his sons? 1 Sam. 28:19.

"The pretended visitants from the world of spirits sometimes

utter cautions and warnings which prove to be correct.... The

fact that they state some truths, and are able at times to foretell

future events, gives to their statements an appearance of reli-

ability; and their false teachings are accepted."

—The Great

Controversy,

p. 552.

For what specific reasons did God permit the destruction of

Saul by the Philistines? 1 Chron. 10:13, 14.

"God had borne long with Saul; ... there was still opportunity

for repentance. But when ... he turned from God to obtain light

from a confederate of Satan, he had cut the last tie."—

Patriarchs and Prophets,

p. 679.



THINK IT THROUGH



For what reason did the evil spirit reprove Saul for his sins?

Does God's reproof work the same way? Why not?



FURTHER STUDY



Patriarchs and Prophets,

pp. 675-683.

Spreading Spiritualism

LESSON 11



❑

Thursday

December 8

Part 5

THE SPIRITS AND

THE STATE

What warning and counsel did Isaiah give Ahaz about con-

sulting mediums and wizards?

"When they say to you, 'Consult the mediums and the

wizards who chirp and mutter,' should not a people consult

their God? Should they consult the dead on behalf of the

living?" (Isa. 8:19, RSV).

The unholy course of Saul and Ahaz (the king to whom

Isaiah's message was directed) continues to be practiced even

in modern times. Heads of state and officials in governments in

various periods of modern history have been known for seeking

political advice from spirit mediums.

"Spiritualism, which numbers its converts by hundreds of

thousands, yea, by millions, which has made its way into scien-

tific circles, which has invaded churches, and has found favor in

legislative bodies, and even in the courts of kings—this mam-

moth deception is but a revival, in a new disguise, of the witch-

craft condemned and prohibited of old."—The

Great Con-

troversy,

p. 556.

To what extremity was the kingdom of Judah eventually led

by King Manasseh's promotion of spiritualism and other

forms of the occult? 2 Kings 21:1, 6, 12, 13. (Compare Jer. 15:4.)

According to Ellen White, a number of army officers in the

U.S. Civil War consulted spirit mediums on military matters.

"Very many men in authority, generals and officers, act in con-

formity with instructions communicated by spirits. The spirits of

devils, professing to be dead warriors and skillful generals,

communicate with men in authority and control many of their

movements. One general has directions from these spirits to

make special moves and is flattered with the hope of success.

Another receives directions which differ widely from those

given to the first. Sometimes those who follow the directions

given obtain a victory, but more frequently they meet with

defeat."—Testimonies, vol.

1, pp. 363, 364.

Why may we expect rulers and civil officials in the end time

to consult spirit mediums? Rev. 16:13, 14.

"Satan has long been preparing for his final effort to deceive

the world. . . . Little by little he has prepared the way for his

masterpiece of deception in the development of spiritualism....

It will be reached in the last remnant of time."—The

Great

Controversy,

p. 561.



THINK IT THROUGH



What are the similarities and differences between Bible

prophets and spirit mediums and fortune-tellers?



FURTHER STUDY



The Great Controversy,

pp. 561, 562.

Spreading Spiritualism

LESSON 11



❑

Friday

December 9

Part 6

DANGEROUS

DECEPTIONS

THINK IT THROUGH

What is Satan's purpose in speaking through spirit medi-

ums? Compare his communication with Eve through a

serpent.

"But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve

through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from

the simplicity that is in Christ" (2 Cor. 11:3).

"When they have been led to believe that the dead actually

return to communicate with them, Satan causes those to appear

who went into the grave unprepared. They claim to be happy in

heaven and even to occupy exalted positions there, and thus the

error is widely taught that no difference is made between the

righteous and the wicked. . . . The law of God is set aside, the

Spirit of grace despised, the blood of the covenant counted an

unholy thing. The spirits deny the deity of Christ and place even

the Creator on a level with themselves."

—The Great Con-

troversy,

p. 552.

"Spiritualism teaches 'that man is the creature of progres-

sion; that it is his destiny from his birth to progress, even to

eternity, toward the Godhead.' And again: 'Each mind will judge

itself and not another.' The judgment will be right, because it is

the judgment of self. . . . The throne is within you.' Said a

spiritualist teacher: ... 'My fellow men, all were unfallen demi-

gods.' And another declares: 'Any just and perfect being is

Christ.'

"—The Great Controversy,

p. 554.

What does the apostle Paul state about the way Satan may

appear? 2 Cor. 11:13-15.

"There are many who shrink with horror from the thought of

consulting spirit mediums, but who are attracted by more pleas-

ing forms of spiritism. . . . Still others are led astray by the

teachings of Christian Science, and by the mysticism of

theosophy and other Oriental religions.

"The apostles of nearly all forms of spiritism claim to have the

power to cure the diseased.... And there are not a few, even in

this Christian age, who go to these healers, instead of trusting in

the power of the living God and the skill of well-qualified Chris-

tian physicians."—Evangelism, p. 606.

Since most Christians believe in inherent immortality, their

minds are conditioned to accept spiritualism's claims.

What is the best preparation I can make to avoid deception?

Why is factual knowledge alone not sufficient? (See 2 Thess.

2:9, 10.)

FURTHER STUDY



The Great Controversy,

pp. 554-557, 588, 589.

LESSON 12 December 11-17

12.NS MI 1E3

'Then shall that Wicked be

revealed, whom the Lord shall

consume with the spirit of his mouth,

and shall destroy with the brightness

of his coming:

even

him, whose

coming is after the working of Satan

with all power and signs and lying

wonders, and with all deceivableness

of unrighteousness in them that

perish; because they received not the

love of the truth, that they might

be saved" (2 Thess. 2:8-10).

"The coming of the Lord is to be

preceded by 'the working of Satan

with all power and signs and lying

wonders, and with all deceiv-

ableness of unrighteousness.'

. . . And the apostle John, describing

the miracle-working power that will be

manifested in the last days, declares:

'He doeth great wonders, so that he

maketh fire come down from heaven

on the earth in the sight of men, and

deceiveth them that dwell on the earth

by the means of those miracles which

he had power to do.' Revelation

13:13, 14. No mere impostures are

here foretold. Men are deceived by

the miracles which Satan's agents have

power to do, not which they pretend

to do."—The

Great Controversy,

553.

"Weare coming right upon the time

when Satan is to work with all manner

of bewitching influences, and those

who are charmed with them now, or

give them the least countenance now,

will be all ready to be swept right in to

act a part with the devil then. Evil

angels are working all the time upon

the hearts of men. Satan is working

with everyone who is not under the

control of the Spirit of God. It is the

lying wonders of the devil that will take

the world captive, and he will cause

fire to come down from heaven in the

sight of men. He is to work miracles;

and this wonderful, miracle-working

power is to sweep the whole world. It

is now just beginning."—Selected

Messages,

bk. 2, p. 51.

The peoples of the world are

currently being conditioned to believe

almost anything through the

publicized happenings in the occult

sphere and in the charismatic

movement. Extraordinary miracles of

all kinds are reported as well as

dramatic healings. Closely related to

the interest in miracles is the

preoccupation with speaking in

tongues, a phenomenon which in

recent years has penetrated Catholic

and Protestant churches alike.

What do the Scriptures have to say

about the miraculous and its last-day

manifestations? This will constitute

the area of our study this week.

DAILY HIGHLIGHTS

The Persuasive Power of the

Miraculous (Acts 8:5-11)

The Purpose of Divine Miracles

(Acts 10:38)

Convincing Counterfeits

(Matt. 24:14)

Testing the Miraculous

(Deut. 13:1-3)

Mission and Miracle

(John 10:41)

Miracles and Tongues

(1 Cor. 14:11, 12)

Misleading Miracles

LESSON 12



❑

Sunday

December 11

Part 1

THE PERSUASIVE

POWER OF THE

MIRACULOUS

What was a major factor in attracting the attention of the

Samaritans to both the evangelism of Philip and the sorcery of

Simon Magus?

"Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached

Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed

unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the

miracles which he did.... But there was a certain man, called

Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and

bewitched the people ... : to whom they all gave heed, from

the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power

of God. And to him they had regard, because that of long time

he had bewitched them with sorceries" (Acts 8:5-11).

It seems as though the human mind is always dazzled and

attracted by any happening which may be out of the ordinary. At

times God has enabled His servants to perform miracles. The

attention of the people has thereby been secured, their minds

made receptive for receiving truth, and God's name honored. At

the same time Satan through his agents has likewise wrought

miracles or illusions of miracles to sweep the unwary into his

deceptions.

"Let none cherish the idea that special providences or

miraculous manifestations are to be the proof of the genuine-

ness of their work or of the ideas they advocate."—Selected

Messages,

bk. 2, p. 48.

Upon what did the nobleman of Cana determine to hang his

faith in Jesus as the Messiah? John 4:48.

"He [Jesus] knew also that the father had, in his own mind,

made conditions concerning his belief in Jesus. Unless his

petition should be granted, he would not receive Him as the

Messiah."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 198.

What effect did the resurrection of Dorcas have on the work

of the church? Acts 9:42.

"Dorcas had been of great service to the church, and God saw

fit to bring her back from the land of the enemy, that her skill and

energy might still be a blessing to others, and also that by this

manifestation of His power the cause of Christ might be

strengthened."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

p. 132.



THINK IT THROUGH



Since both God and Satan can cause miracles to be per-

formed, how can I determine whether truth or error is being

confirmed through such wonders?



FURTHER STUDY



Evangelism,

p. 594.

Misleading Miracles

LESSON 12



❑

Monday

December 12



Part 2



What description of Jesus' ministry is given by the writer of

THE PURPOSE Acts?

OF DIVINE



MIRACLES



"God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and

with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that

were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him" (Acts

10:38).

The miracles of Christ were not wrought to attract attention to

Himself, nor to enrich Himself in a monetary way with offerings

from the grateful. Rather, the object of each miracle was to

bring honor to God, to open doors to broken hearts which

would permit grace to enter in a saving way.

"In word and in deed the Messiah, during His earthly ministry,

was to reveal to mankind the glory of God the Father. Every act

of His life, every word spoken, every miracle wrought, was to

make known to fallen humanity the infinite love of God."

—Prophets and Kings,

p. 696.

"Christ never worked a miracle except to supply a genuine

necessity, and every miracle was of a character to lead the

people to the tree of life, whose leaves are for the healing of the

nations."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 366.

"He desires that our dull senses shall be quickened to discern

His merciful kindness and to glorify Him for the working of His

power. He desires us to recognize Him in His gifts, that they may

be, as He intended, a blessing to us. It was to accomplish this

purpose that the miracles of Christ were performed

."—The De-

sire of Ages,

p. 368.

What is one purpose for which God performs miracles for

His people as He sees fit? Heb. 2:3, 4.

What spiritual gifts may at times be entrusted to certain

believers? 1 Cor. 12:9, 10, first part. (See also verses 28-30.)

True miracles do not result from impetuous demands, but are

given as God sees best.

"The apostles were not always able to work miracles at will.

The Lord granted His servants this special power as the prog-

ress of His cause or the honor of His name required."—Ellen G.

White Comments,

SDA Bible Commentary,

vol. 6, p. 1064.

"Some died in the days of Christ and in the days of the apostles

because the Lord knew just what was best for

them."—Medical

Ministry,

p. 17.



THINK IT THROUGH



Which Is the greater, a miracle of healing or that of a trans-

formed life?



FURTHER STUDY



SDA Bible Commentary,

vol. 5, pp. 208-210.

Misleading Miracles

LESSON 12



❑

Tuesday

December 13



Part 3



What emphasis upon the miraculous by false teachers may

CONVINCING we expect near the time of Christ's return?

COUNTERFEITS

"There shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and

shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if It were

possible, they shall deceive the very elect" (Matt. 24:24).

What three miracles of Moses did the magicians counterfeit

in Pharaoh's court? Ex. 7:11, 12, 20-22; 8:6, 7.

"The magicians did not really cause their rods to become

serpents; but by magic, aided by the great deceiver, they were

able to produce this appearance. It was beyond the power of

Satan to change the rods to living serpents. The prince of evil,

though possessing all the wisdom and might of an angel fallen,

has not power to create, or to give life; this is the prerogative of

God alone. But all that was in Satan's power to do, he did; he

produced a counterfeit."—Patriarchs

and Prophets,

p. 264.

To what conclusion did the magicians come when they

could not duplicate the miracle of lice? Ex. 8:17-19.

"Satan wrought through the magicians in a manner calcu-

lated to harden the heart of the tyrant Pharaoh against the

miraculous manifestations of God's power. Satan thought to

stagger the faith of Moses and Aaron in the divine origin of their

mission.... The magicians failed to produce the miracle of lice,

and could no more imitate Moses and Aaron. God would not

suffer Satan to proceed

further."—Testimonies, vol.

1, p. 292.

What marvelous mirage was Satan able to produce before

the eyes of Christ? Luke 4:5, 6.

"The sunlight lay on templed cities, marble palaces, fertile

fields, and fruit-laden vineyards. The traces of evil were hidden.

The eyes of Jesus ... now gazed upon a scene of unsurpassed

loveliness and prosperity."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 129.



THINK IT THROUGH



Have I grown in my experience to the point that I will trust

the Bible rather than my eyesight?

"Through the agency of spiritualism, miracles will be

wrought, the sick will be healed, and many undeniable wonders

will be performed."—The

Great Controversy,

p. 588.



FURTHER STUDY



Testimonies, vol.

1, p. 302.

100

Misleading Miracles

LESSON 12



❑

Wednesday

December 14

Part 4

TESTING THE

MIRACULOUS

Does a fulfilled prediction or a marvelous miracle of healing

always prove that a given teaching is from God?

"If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of

dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, and the sign or the

wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let

us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us

serve them; thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that

prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the Lord your God

proveth you, to know whether ye love the Lord your God with

all your heart and with all your soul" (Deut. 13:1-3).

One of the striking facts of our scientific age is the recent

interest by all classes of people in the miraculous and the

supernatural. Faith healers are popular. Advertised meetings of

healing are well attended; some have been televised. Such a

climate is preparing the minds of the masses for the final delu-

sions of Satan. The question the Christian must ask is not

whether a miracle or wonder has truly taken place. Rather, he

must ask if the

teaching

or viewpoint which is being advocated

by the miracle worker is in harmony with the Word of God.

"The man who makes the working of miracles the test of his

faith will find that Satan can, through a species of deceptions,

perform wonders that will appear to be genuine miracles."—

Selected Messages,

bk. 2, p. 52.

Why will some who profess Christ and who work miracles in

His name not be accepted by the Master in the judgment?

Matt. 7:21-23.

"So closely will the counterfeit resemble the true that it will be

impossible to distinguish between them except by the Holy

Scriptures. By their testimony every statement and every mira-

cle must be tested."—The

Great Controversy,

p. 593.

"The light from the Word is shining amid the moral darkness;

and the Bible will never be superseded by miraculous

manifestations."—Selected

Messages,

bk. 2, p. 48.

"If those through whom cures are performed are disposed, on

account of these manifestations, to excuse their neglect of the

law of God, and continue in disobedience, though they have

power to any and every extent, it does not follow that they have

the great power of God. On the contrary, it is the miracle-

working power of the great deceiver."—Selected

Messages,

bk.

2, pp. 50, 51.



THINK IT THROUGH



Explain how a Bible-quoting miracle worker may actually

teach doctrine that is contrary to the Bible. (See Matt. 4:6.)



FURTHER STUDY



Selected Messages,

bk. 2, pp. 48-53.

101

Misleading Miracles

LESSON 12



❑

Thursday

December 15

Part 5

MISSION AND

MIRACLE

THINK IT THROUGH

FURTHER STUDY

102

Was God's special message which John the Baptist pro-

claimed, highlighted, authenticated, or made more believable

by miracles?

"Many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but

all things that John spake of this man were true" (John 10:41).

The validity of John's message did not rest upon the miracu-

lous, but upon its harmony with the Old Testament predictions

of the Messiah. In the last preaching of God's final message

miracles will be wrought, but its truthfulness must rest upon its

agreement with Scripture, not on miracles.

"Unbelievers will require them [God's people] to do some

miracle, if they believe God's special power is in the church and

that they are the chosen people of God.... They should refer the

unbelieving to the written, inspired testimony for evidence of

their being the loyal people of God and heirs of salvation."—

Medical Ministry,

p. 15.

What instruction is given those Christians who seek physi-

cal healing? James 5:14, 15.

"The way in which Christ worked was to preach the Word, and

to relieve suffering by miraculous works of healing. But I am

instructed that we cannot now work in this way, for Satan will

exercise his power by working miracles. God's servants today

could not work by means of miracles, because spurious works

of healing, claiming to be divine, will be wrought.

"For this reason the Lord has marked out a way in which His

people are to carry forward a work of physical healing, com-

bined with the teaching of the Word. Sanitariums are to be

established, and with these institutions are to be connected

workers who will carry forward genuine medical missionary

work."—Selected

Messages,

bk. 2, p. 54.

What lesson does Second Corinthians 12:7-9 teach us? How

must the Christian always pray? 1 John 5:14.

"Some have asked me, 'Why should we have sanitariums?

Why should we not, like Christ, pray for the sick, that they may

be healed miraculously?' I have answered,'Suppose we were

able ... ; how many would appreciate the healing? Would those

who were healed become health reformers, or continue to be

health destroyers?'

"—Medical Ministry,

p. 13.

In what ways may education in healthful living be more vital

to long-term happiness than a miracle of healing?

Selected Messages,

bk. 2, pp. 345-348.

Misleading Miracles

LESSON 12



❑

Friday

December 16

Part 6

MIRACLES AND

TONGUES

THINK IT THROUGH

For what purpose only should a Christian desire the

genuine gift of tongues?

"Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be

unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh

shall be a barbarian unto me. Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are

zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edify-

ing of the church" (1 Cor. 14:11, 12).

Closely allied to the great emphasis today on faith healing is a

kindred emphasis on glossolalia or speaking in tongues. In fact,

the two are made prominent in the current charismatic move-

ment. Glossolalia is not a language; rather it consists of strings

of unintelligable sounds understood by neither the speaker nor

the listener. It provides an ecstatic, semitrancelike experience

for the participant, but the gospel is not thereby transmitted to

others.

Writing about some Sabbath keepers who became involved in

a tongues experience in the 1850s, Ellen White identified its

source: "Some of these persons have exercises which they call

gifts and say that the Lord has placed them in the church. They

have an unmeaning gibberish which they call the unknown

tongue, which is unknown not only by man but by the Lord and

all heaven. Such gifts are manufactured by men and women,

aided by the great

deceiver."—Testimonies, vol.

1, p. 412.

What are some of the spiritual gifts that the Holy Spirit

bestows on believers as He chooses? 1 Cor. 12:1-11.

Does the Bible teach that every one must receive the gift of

tongues as evidence that he has been saved? 1 Cor. 12:27-31.

According to the clearest record of this phenomenon, what

Is the genuine gift of tongues? For what purpose was it given

at Pentecost? With what result? Acts 2:1.11, 37-41.

"This diversity of languages would have been a great hin-

drance to the proclamation of the gospel; God therefore in a

miraculous manner supplied the deficiency of the apostles....

They could now proclaim the truths of the gospel abroad,

speaking with accuracy the languages of those for whom they

were laboring."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

pp. 39, 40.

An experience is important. How can I test my experience to

know whether it Is genuine or not? (See "Selected Mes-

sages," bk. 1, p. 43.)

FURTHER STUDY



The

Acts of

the

Apostles, pp. 35-46.

103

LESSON 13 December 18-24

"There shall be famines, and

pestilences, and earthquakes, in

divers places. All these are the

beginning of sorrows" (Matt. 24:7, 8).

In His prophecy of the future, Jesus

mingled His descriptions of the

destruction of Jerusalem and His

second advent. The events which were

to take place before the fall of the

nation would also take place again in

the time prior to His return. As there

were famines, pestilences, and

earthquakes, that is to say, natural

calamities before the ruin of

Jerusalem, so we may expect such to

continue through the time of the end.

"As I hear of the terrible calamities

that from week to week are taking

place, I ask myself: What do these

things mean? The most awful disasters

are following one another in quick

succession. How frequently we hear

of earthquakes and tornadoes, of

destruction by fire and flood, with

great loss of life and property!

Apparently these calamities are

capricious outbreaks of seemingly

disorganized, unregulated forces, but

in them God's purpose may be read.

They are one of the means by which

He seeks to arouse men and women to

a sense of their danger.

"The coming of Christ is nearer than

when we first believed. The great

controversy is nearing its end. The

judgments of God are in the land.

They speak in solemn warning, saying:

'Be ye also ready: for in such an hour

as ye think not the Son of man

cometh.' Matthew 24:44."—

Testimonies,

vol. 8, p. 252.

In our study this week we will first

note what natural calamities were to

indicate to God's people Israel. They

were not to be regarded as mere

quirks of nature, but as messengers of

warning. In the remaining portion of

our study we will examine the extent

of the particular sins Jesus predicted,

and the Christian's relationship to

these as he seeks to prepare for the

end of the age and his Lord's return.

DAILY HIGHLIGHTS

Disobedience and Drought

(Deut. 11:13, 14)

Plagues and Penitence

(Joel 2:12, 13)

Seismic Signs

(Luke 21:11)

Famines

(Mark 13:8)

Pollution and Accountability

(Rev. 11:18)

Prevailing Pestilences

(Luke 21:11)

Natural Calamities

LESSON 13



❑

Sunday

December 18



Part 1



What promise did God make to the nation of Israel concern-

DISOBEDIENCE ing adequate rain? What were the conditions?

AND DROUGHT

"It shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my

commandments which I command you this day, to love the

Lord your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all

your soul, that I will give you the rain of your land in his due

season, the first rain and the latter rain, that thou mayest

gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil" (Deut. 11:13,

14).

The "first" or "early" rains falling in late October or in

November were light, but sufficient to enable the Israelite to

plow and sow his fields. Heavy rains came in the end of De-

cember and January. The latter rains fell in March and April,

ripening the harvest. If either of the early or latter rains—or

both—failed, crop failure resulted and famine conditions en-

sued.

What did God forewarn the nation He would do if it turned

from allegiance to Him? Deut. 11:16, 17.

What was God's purpose In withholding the rains from the

land of Israel? Amos 4:6-8. (Compare Jer. 5:24, 25.)

"As the 'whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain to-

gether' ... , the heart of the infinite Father is pained in sympathy.

Our world is a vast lazar house, a scene of misery that we dare

not allow even our thoughts to dwell upon. Did we realize it as it

is, the burden would be too terrible. Yet God feels it all."—

Education,

pp. 263, 264.

What extensive drought led the nation of Israel, at least in

part, to repent of their sins? 1 Kings 17:1. (Compare James

5:17, 18.)

"For stricken Israel there was but one remedy—a turning

away from the sins that had brought upon them the chastening

hand of the Almighty, and a turning to the Lord with full purpose

of heart.... It was to bring to pass this blessed result that God

continued to withhold from them the dew and the rain until a

decided reformation should take

place."—Prophets and Kings,

p. 128.



THINK IT THROUGH



The Israelites knew why severe droughts periodically

afflicted their land. What do the extensive droughts and

famines of modern times say to me?



FURTHER STUDY



Prophets and Kings,

pp. 119-128.

106

Natural Calamities

LESSON 13



❑

Monday

December 19



Part 2



At a time of deep national apostasy, what earnest appeal

PLAGUES AND did God make to His people through the prophet Joel?

PENITENCE

"Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with

all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with

mourning: and rend your heart, and not your garments, and

turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful,

slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the

evil" (Joel 2:12, 13).

What terrible plague and other calamities had shaken the

nation to feel its spiritual need? Joel 1:1-4, 6, 7, 12, 17-20.

(Compare Deut. 28:15, 38, 42.)

Through the centuries great swarms of locusts have plagued

mankind in different areas of the world. A ton of locusts—just a

portion of a swarm—will consume in a day as much as ten

elephants or 250 people can eat. The following eyewitness ac-

count gives an idea of the devastation of such a plague:

"We had a famine in the 2d year of the war [1915].... The sky

was darkened by the gigantic swarms of locusts which covered

the whole country, and neither sun nor moon could be seen. All

of Palestine was transformed into a desert within a few days. All

trees, from their tops to the ground, including the bark, were

eaten up clean; our vegetable gardens . . . disappeared as by

magic. The following spring there crept forth from hundreds of

billions of eggs the new brood, which consumed the little that

had been left. The result was a terrific famine."

—SDA Bible

Dictionary,

art., "Locust," p. 658.

Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, what warning did the

prophet see in these natural calamities? Joel 1:15.

The term "day of the Lord" is a common expression of the

prophets. The phrase indicates a time of divine judgment. Joel

saw in the terrible natural calamities a divine warning of a day of

retribution on Judah. If Joel prophesied in the seventh century

BC, the "day of the Lord" of which he wrote was the Babylonian

invasions and captivity.

Each local, historical "day of the Lord" in the days of the

prophets may be seen as a type of the ultimate day of the Lord.

(See 1 Thess. 5:1-4.) Thus we may see in today's ever-increasing

natural calamities the approaching of the return of Christ.



THINK IT THROUGH



How am I personally affected by the many TV reports of

floods, tornadoes, and other natural disasters?



FURTHER STUDY



Prophets and Kings,

pp. 276-278.

107

Natural Calamities

LESSON 13



❑

Tuesday

December 20



Part 3



What kind of physical disturbances did Jesus predict would

SEISMIC SIGNS occur before His return as well as before the fall of

Jerusalem?

"Great earthquakes shall be in divers places" (Luke 21:11).

"There was a series of major earthquakes between A.D. 31

and A.D. 70. The worst of these were in Crete (46 or 47), Rome

(51), Phrygia (60), and Campania (63)."—SDA

Bible Commen-

tary,

vol. 5, p. 497.

"More and more, as the days go by, it is becoming apparent

that God's judgments are in the world. In fire and flood and

earthquake He is warning the inhabitants of this earth of His

near approach."—Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 97.

What event marked the opening of the sixth prophetic seal,

the seal which spans the "time of the end" period? Rev. 6:12.

"Inasmuch as the earthquake is followed by the darkening of

the sun, and the latter event may be dated in A.D. 1780... , this

earthquake has been identified with the Lisbon quake on Nov. 1,

1755, one of the most extensive and severe seismological dis-

turbances ever recorded."—SDA

Bible Commentary, vol.

7, p.

779.

What important events were marked by the occurrence of

earthquakes? Matt. 27:51, 52; 28:2-4.

Continuing destructive earthquakes in the time of the end

indicate the tremendous forces locked within the earth. When

will they finally convulse and shatter the planet? Rev. 16:17,

18, 20.

Of this time Ellen White writes: "The mountains shake like a

reed in the wind, and ragged rocks are scattered on every side.

There is a roar as of a coming tempest. The sea is lashed into

fury. There is heard the shriek of a hurricane like the voice of

demons upon a mission of destruction. The whole earth heaves

and swells like the waves of the sea. Its surface is breaking up.

Its very foundations seem to be giving way. Mountain chains are

sinking. Inhabited islands disappear. The seaports that have

become like Sodom for wickedness are swallowed up by the

angry waters."—The

Great Controversy,

p. 637.



THINK IT THROUGH



While earthquakes and related disasters warn us of the end,

in what way may Christians react and thus increase the

spread of the gospel?



FURTHER STUDY



The Great Controversy,

pp. 304, 305.

108

Natural Calamities

LESSON 13



❑

Wednesd

December 21



Part 4



In addition to civil strife and earthquakes, what other kind of

FAMINES disaster would be more widespread as the world approached

its end according to Jesus?

"For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against

kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and

there shall be famines and troubles" (Mark 13:8).

Dearths or famines occur when crops fail or food cannot be

shipped to dependent areas. Wars, floods, extensive droughts,

or insects are the chief culprits in causing famine conditions.

Probably the worst famines in recorded history have come in

the "time of the end." Nine million Chinese died in the famine of

1877-1879; another million in a 1902 famine. A million persons

died in India in the famine of 1863; a million more in 1900. The

most widespread shortage of food occurred in Europe and Asia

after World War II. And famines continue to press the popula-

tions of large areas of the globe. A belt of hunger encircles the

earth on either side of the equator in which two and one-half

billion people live, 60 percent of which are malnourished, 20

percent starving. Because of crop failures even large nations

have had to import foodstuffs. Although various nations share

food products with less fortunate lands, it was openly reported

in the U.S. press (1974) that North American food reserves

available for emergencies were down to 27 days of world con-

sumption.

What gracious promises are made by the Creator to His

people with regard to food? Matt. 6:25, 26, 31-33; Isa. 33:16.

Another source of great concern to world leaders is the ever-

increasing population—approximately 200,000 new persons

per day, or some 75 million per year. At present rates the popula-

tion of 4 billion is expected nearly to double by the end of the

century. Recurrent famine conditions aggravate the ever-

increasing need for more food. In spite of man's scientific

achievements, it would appear that he is approaching bank-

ruptcy in this area as in others.

In the famine years of Elijah's time how did God care for the

needs of the prophet? 1 Kings 17:3-7, 9-16.

"Though it [Christ's] is a spiritual kingdom, fear not that your

needs for this life will be uncared-for. If you give yourself to

God's service, He who has all power in heaven and earth will

provide for your

needs."—Thoughts From the Mount of Bless-

ing,

p. 99.



FURTHER STUDY



Prophets and Kings,

pp. 124-132.

109

Natural Calamities

LESSON 13



❑

Thursday

December 22

Part 5

POLLUTION AND

ACCOUNTABILITY

Whom do the 24 elders state will be brought to account and

destroyed at the close of human probation? Why?

"The nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the

time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou

shouldest give reward unto thy servants . . . ; and shouldest

destroy them which destroy the earth" (Rev. 11:18).

The late Albert Schweitzer once said, "Man has lost the

capacity to foresee and to forestall. He will end by destroying

the earth." Although the Bible declares plainly that the second

advent of Christ will end this age, it is a harrowing fact of

modern life that man is capable of destroying the earth.

Since the invention and detonation of an atom bomb in the

1940s, greater and more deadly nuclear armament has been

devised. Some six nations presently have atomic weapons, but

nuclear technology and resources are such today that any na-

tion could—given sufficient time—manufacture atomic bombs.

Man is now capable, were he to enter into an all-out nuclear

warfare, literally to destroy civilization and life on the earth.

Modern man is also in danger of perishing by the pollution of

his own environment. The wastes of cities and industries are

befouling earth's rivers and lakes, destroying the wildlife and

upsetting the balance of nature. Pesticides often destroy animal

life and harm man himself. The fumes of automobiles and fac-

tories are poisoning the atmosphere.

Who is the true owner of the earth and its resources? Ps.

24:1.

What did God entrust to man? For what purpose? Ps. 115:16;

Gen. 1:26, 28.

God gave man dominion over the earth and its creatures.

Thus he has authorization to explore, to study, and to utilize the

resources of the natural world for the benefit of human and

animal life, thereby bringing glory to the Creator. But God never

intended man to exploit nature for selfish ends or to his own

destruction. The enormous problems of pollution, together with

the inventions of lethal forces capable of global destruction,

indicate the rapid approach of the hour when man must give an

account of his stewardship before the Judge of all the earth.

THINK IT THROUGH



As a Christian, in what ways may I contribute to the improv-

ing of my community? Do I have a responsibility In this area?

110

Natural Calamities

LESSON 13



❑

Friday

December 23



Part 6



What sign did Jesus foretell would occur in the end time

PREVAILING which would afflict the physical health of mankind?

PESTILENCES

"Great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines,

and pestilences" (Luke 21:11).

In spite of modern medical knowledge, from time to time

various parts of the habitable globe have been terribly ravaged

by disease and pestilence. Twenty million died in the world

epidemic of influenza (1918-1919) both from the disease and

from ensuing complications. Wars, earthquakes, and famines

create conditions for the outbreak of disease. Physically

weakened, refugees from these disasters are often decimated

by epidemics of typhus, cholera, diphtheria, and dysentery.

Some devastating diseases seem to strike an area without warn-

ing; others, such as venereal disease, are of epidemic propor-

tions due to man's pursuit of sensual pleasure.

Who is attempting to control this earth and constantly seeks

the destruction of its inhabitants? Eph. 2:2.

"Even now he [Satan] is at work. In accidents and calamities

by sea and by land, in great conflagrations, in fierce tornadoes

and terrific hailstorms, in tempests, floods, cyclones, tidal

waves, and earthquakes, in every place and in a thousand

forms, Satan is exercising his power. He sweeps away the ripen-

ing harvest, and famine and distress follow. He imparts to the air

a deadly taint, and thousands perish by the pestilence. These

visitations are to become more and more frequent and disas-

trous."—The

Great Controversy,

pp. 589, 590.

What promise did God make to His people anciently that is

still valid today? Ex. 15:26. If disobedient, what could they

expect? Deut. 28:15, 21, 60, 61.

"We ask to be kept from the pestilence that walketh in dark-

ness, that is stalking with such power through the world; we are

then to cooperate with God, observing the laws of health and

life. Having done all that we possibly can, we are to keep asking

in faith for health and strength. We are to eat that food which will

preserve the health of the body."—Ellen G. White Comments,

SDA Bible Commentary, vol.

7, pp. 938, 939.



THINK IT THROUGH



Lung cancer is virtually unknown among lifetime Seventh-

day Adventists. What might our witness be if all the divine

counsels regarding healthful living were consistently

obeyed?



FURTHER STUDY



Education,

pp. 195-201.

111

LESSON 14 December 25-31

"He said also to the people, When

ye see a cloud rise out of the west,

straightway ye say, There cometh a

shower; and so it is. And when ye see

the south wind blow, ye say, There will

be heat; and it cometh to pass. Ye

hypocrites, ye can discern the face of

the sky and of the earth; but how is it

that ye do not discern this time?"

(Luke 12:54-56).

In these straightforward statements

Jesus was referring to the evidences

that clearly set Him forth as the

long-awaited Messiah. The leaders

could see relationships in other areas

but refused to acknowledge the

relationship between the ministry of

Jesus and the predictions of the

prophets. The time had arrived. The

reat needs of both the Roman and the

ewish worlds desperately called for a

Saviour. But few thought that God had

answered their need in the One who

stood before them.

So it is again with many in our day

who are busy devising solutions to

heal the woes of the age. While

good-intentioned men seek to stem

the rising tide of a thousand global

problems, time is running out. Man's

problems are insurmountable. Human

answers are as helpful now as a

Band-Aid would be if applied to a

mortally wounded soldier! The signs

of change and decay which surround

us call our attention to the fact that the

end of this present age is at hand.

But the signs signify more than the

demise of a world whose disease is

incurable. Collectively they may be

compared to the voice announcing the

train's arrival at the station just before

it comes within view of the waiting

passengers.

"The Lord is coming. Lift up your

heads and rejoice. Oh, we would think

that those who hear the joyful news,

who claim to love Jesus, would be

filled with joy unutterable and full of

glory. This is the good, the joyful news

which should electrify every soul,

which should be repeated in our

homes, and told to those whom we

meet on the street. What more joyful

news can be communicated! . .

"The voice of the true watchman

needs now to be heard all along the

line, 'The morning cometh, and also

the night.' The trumpet must give a

certain sound, for we are in the great

day of the Lord's preparation."—

Evangelism,

p. 218.

DAILY HIGHLIGHTS

The Uplook and Redemption

(Luke 21:28)

The Blessed Hope

(Titus 2:11-13)

Resurrection and Reunion

(1 Cor. 15:16-18)

Immortality Bestowed

(1 Cor. 15:51-54)

The Saints' Inheritance

(Heb. 1:1, 2)

Nothing Between

(John 17:24)

Human Solutions-or the Saviour?

LESSON 14



❑

Sunday

December 25

Part 1

THE UPLOOK AND

REDEMPTION

THINK IT THROUGH

How did Jesus say His people should react when they see

the signs of His coming?

"When these things begin to come to pass, then look up,

and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh"

(Luke 21:28).

The inhabitants of the world will grow more perplexed as

problems multiply. The outlook robs men of hope. But for the

Christian the uplook is bright. Jesus is coming again, and this

age of sin and suffering is about to end! There are better things

ahead!

"Every report of calamity by sea or land is a testimony to the

fact that the end of all things is at hand. Wars and rumors of war

declare it. Is there a Christian whose pulse does not beat with

quickened action as he anticipates the great events opening

before

us?"—Evangelism,

p. 219.

How does Paul picture the condition of the physical earth

and God's people as they await their change? Rom. 8:22, 23.

(See also Heb. 1:10, 11.)

"Paul pictures the creation in the pangs of childbirth, as it

looks forward to joyful deliverance. . . .

" ... [The Christian] senses that the pangs of a world in travail

point forward to a time of deliverance, when there shall be 'new

heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.' "

—SDA Bible Commentary,

vol. 6, p. 571.

In a sense, the "time of the end" is the birth-pang period of the

earth which will grow more intense until the appearance of

Christ in glory.

In spite of the trials a Christian may have, upon what does

he rivet his faith and confidence? 2 Cor. 4:16-18.

"These trials of life are God's workmen to remove the im-

purities, infirmities, and roughness from our characters.... But

as we pass through these trials, as the fires of affliction kindle

upon us, we must not keep the eye on the fire which is seen, but

let the eye of faith fasten upon the things unseen, the eternal

inheritance, the immortal life, the eternal weight of glory; and

while we do this the fire will not consume us, but only remove

the dross, and we shall come forth seven times purified, bearing

the impress of the

Divine."—Testimonies, vol.

1, pp. 706, 707.

Why is it spiritually healthier to contemplate the eternal

realities than to focus on present troubles? Is this an escape

from reality, or good sense?

FURTHER STUDY



Steps to Christ, "Rejoicing

in the Lord," pp. 117-126.

114

Human Solutions-or the Saviour?

LESSON 14



❑

Monday

December 26



Part 2



As the Christian contemplates the grace of God and the

THE BLESSED blessed hope of Christ's return, how is he prompted to live?

HOPE

"The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to

all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly

lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this

present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious

appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ"

(Titus 2:11-13).

"The blessed hope of the second appearing of Christ, with its

solemn realities, needs to be often presented to the people.

Looking for the soon appearing of our Lord will lead us to

regard earthly things as emptiness and nothingness."

—Tes-

timonies,

vol. 6, p. 406.

Of what should no Adventist be ignorant? How should he

react to the signs of this age? 1 Thess. 5:1-9; Rom. 13:11-14.

"We are not to be sad, but cheerful, and we are to keep the

Lord Jesus ever before us. He is soon coming, and we must be

ready and waiting for His appearing. Oh, how glorious it will be

to see Him and be welcomed as His redeemed ones! Long have

we waited, but our hope is not to grow dim. If we can but see the

King in His beauty we shall be forever blessed. I feel as if I must

cry aloud: 'Homeward bound!' We are nearing the time when

Christ will come in power and great glory to take His ransomed

ones to their eternal

home."—Testimonies,

vol. 8, p. 253.

When Christ returns, what will be one of the great joys of the

redeemed who have been colaborers with Him? 1 Thess.

2:19, 20.

"Every impulse of the Holy Spirit leading men to goodness

and to God is noted in the books of heaven, and in the day of

God everyone who has given himself as an instrument for the

Holy Spirit's working will be permitted to behold what his life

has wrought. . . .

"The redeemed will meet and recognize those whose atten-

tion they have directed to the uplifted Saviour. What blessed

converse they have with these

souls!"—Testimonies,

vol. 6, pp.

310, 311.

What hope sustained the imprisoned Paul as he faced an

inevitable execution? 2 Tim. 4:6-8.



THINK IT THROUGH



What would life mean to you if there were no advent hope?



FURTHER STUDY



Testimonies,

vol. 6, pp. 305, 309-312.

115

Human Solutions-or the Saviour?

LESSON 14



❑

Tuesday

December 27



Part 3



How vital to the Christian faith is the doctrine of the resur-

RESURRECTION rection?

AND REUNION

"If the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: and if Christ

be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then

they also which are fallen asleep In Christ are perished"

(1 Cor. 15:16-18).

Death is an enemy, the fruitage of sin (1 Cor. 15:26; Rom.

5:12). It is no respecter of persons. There is an empty cradle, a

vacant chair, a missing loved one in most homes. One of the

most precious truths of Scripture is its truth about the resurrec-

tion. "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made

alive" (1 Cor. 15:22). "Because I live," said Jesus, "ye shall live

also" (John 14:19).

What did Jesus promise to those who believe in Him should

they die? John 6:40.

"Look to Jesus. Trust in Jesus, whether you live or die. He is

your Redeemer. He is our Life-giver. If you fall asleep in Jesus He

will bring you forth from the grave to a glorious immortality. May

He give you peace and comfort and hope and joy from

henceforth."—Selected

Messages,

bk. 2, p. 254.

At what great event will the righteous dead of all ages be

resurrected and united with the last living generation of God's

people? 1 Thess. 4:16-18.

"Amid the reeling of the earth, the flash of lightning, and the

roar of thunder, the voice of the Son of God calls forth the

sleeping saints. He looks upon the graves of the righteous, then,

raising His hands to heaven, He cries: 'Awake, awake, awake, ye

that sleep in the dust, and arise!' Throughout the length and

breadth of the earth the dead shall hear that voice, and they that

hear shall live. And the whole earth shall ring with the tread of

the exceeding great army of every nation, kindred, tongue, and

people. From the prison house of death they come, clothed with

immortal glory, crying, '0 death, where is thy sting? 0 grave,

where is thy victory?' 1 Corinthians 15:55. And the living righ-

teous and the risen saints unite their voices in a long, glad shout

of victory."—The

Great Controversy,

p. 644.



THINK IT THROUGH



Why is the Bible teaching of the resurrection more comfort-

ing than a belief that one goes to his reward at death?



FURTHER STUDY



The Desire of Ages,

p. 804;

The Great Controversy,

pp. 644,

645.

116

Human Solutions—or the Saviour?

LESSON 14

❑

Wednesday

December 28



Part 4



When and in what manner will the gift of Immortality be

IMMORTALITY bestowed upon the redeemed?

BESTOWED

"Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we

shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at

the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall

be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this

corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put

on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on

incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality,

then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death

is swallowed up in victory" (1 Cor. 15:51-54).

The resurrection is a strong hope to the Christian, but as

mortals we cannot fathom the endlessness of an immortal exis-

tence! Here "we spend our years as a tale that is told," (Ps. 90:9),

but at the resurrection we will begin to live a life that will never

end.

"Then the living saints and the risen ones raised their voices

in a long, transporting shout of victory. Those bodies that had

gone down into the grave bearing the marks of disease and

death came up in immortal health and vigor. The living saints

are changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, and caught

up with the risen ones, and together they meet their Lord in the

air. Oh, what a glorious meeting! Friends whom death had

separated were united, never more to part."—

Early Writings,

287.

Our immortal bodies will be like whose glorified body? Phil.

3:20, 21.

"The redeemed are not only to possess Christ's character but

also to be clothed in an immortal body similar to that possessed

by Jesus since His resurrection.. . . This transformation com-

pletes the redemptive work. . . . The Christian is completely

conformed to the likeness of his Master."—SDA

Bible Com-

mentary, vol.

7, p. 172.

How does Paul explain the nature of the immortal body? Is

personal identity lost? 1 Cor. 15:35-38, 42-44, 50, 53.

"Our personal identity is preserved in the resurrection,

though not the same particles of matter or material substance

as went into the grave... .

" ... The planted kernel decays, but there comes forth a new

kernel.... A much finer material will compose the human body,

for it is a new creation, a new birth."—Ellen G. White Com-

ments,

SDA Bible Commentary,

vol. 6, p. 1093.



FURTHER STUDY



The Acts of the Apostles,

pp. 258, 259.

117

Human Solutions-or the Saviour?

LESSON 14



❑

Thursday

December 29



Part 5



Whom has God the Father appointed heir of the earth?

THE SAINTS'



INHERITANCE



"God.... hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son,

whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he

made the worlds" (Heb. 1:1, 2).

What relationship do the redeemed have with Christ in re-

gard to His inheritance? Rom. 8:17.

What will God do to the earth before it becomes the eternal

home of the saved? 2 Peter 3:7, 10, 12, 13.

"The earth promised to the meek will not be like this, dark-

ened with the shadow of death and the curse. . . .

"There is no disappointment, no sorrow, no sin, no one who

shall say, I am sick; there are no burial trains, no mourning, no

death, no partings, no broken hearts; but Jesus is there, peace

is there. There 'they shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the

heat nor sun smite them: for He that hath mercy on them shall

lead them, even by the springs of water shall He guide them.'

Isaiah

49:10."—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,

pp.

17, 18.

What was God's original purpose for the earth? Isa. 45:18.

"The earth originally given to man as his kingdom, betrayed

by him into the hands of Satan, and so long held by the mighty

foe, has been brought back by the great plan of redemption. All

that was lost by sin has been restored. [Isa. 45:18 quoted] .

God's original purpose in the creation of the earth is fulfilled as

it is made the eternal abode of the redeemed. 'The righteous

shall inherit the land, and dwell therein forever.' Psalm

37:29."—The

Great Controversy,

p. 674.

Describe, as represented to John, the New Jerusalem

which will be the capital of the new earth. Rev. 21:2, 9-27.

"There are ever-flowing streams, clear as crystal, and beside

them waving trees cast their shadows upon the paths prepared

for the ransomed of the Lord. There the widespreading plains

swell into hills of beauty, and the mountains of God rear their

lofty summits. On those peaceful plains, beside those living

streams, God's people, so long pilgrims and wanderers, shall

find a home."—The

Great Controversy,

p. 675.

THINK IT THROUGH



Is it profitable to contemplate in imagination the glories of

the new earth even though such are beyond our knowing?

Why or why not?

FURTHER STUDY



The Great Controversy,

pp. 675-678.

118

Human Solutions-or the Saviour?

LESSON 14



❑

Friday

December 30



Part 6



What request did Jesus make of the Father a short time

NOTHING BETWEEN before His crucifixion?

"Father, I will that they also, whom thou hest given me, be

with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou

hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of

the world" (John 17:24).

Man was made in the image of God so that he might have

communion and fellowship with his Maker. "Face-to-face,

heart-to-heart communion with his Maker was his [Adam's]

high privilege."—Education, p. 15. By causing man to join him

in sinful rebellion against God, Satan had thought to estrange

man from his Sovereign forever. But, through the carrying out

of the plan of salvation, that blessed communion will be fully

restored. The bond between God and the redeemed will be, in a

sense, even closer than it was originally, for the humanity of

Jesus links His earthly "brethren" to the divine center of all.

Although the Deity dwells in such glory as to be unap-

proachable by sinful men (1 Tim. 6:16), how will it be in the new

earth? Rev. 22:3, 4.

"The people of God are privileged to hold open communion

with the Father and the Son. 'Now we see through a glass,

darkly.' 1 Corinthians 13:12. We behold the image of God re-

flected, as in a mirror, in the works of nature and in His dealings

with men; but then we shall see Him face to face, without a

dimming veil between. We shall stand in His presence and

behold the glory of His countenance."—The

Great Controversy,

pp. 676, 677.

What beings will there be in the ages of eternity with whom

the redeemed can have fellowship? Rev. 7:9-12.

"There the redeemed shall know, even as also they are

known. The loves and sympathies which God Himself has

planted in the soul shall there find truest and sweetest exercise.

The pure communion with holy beings, the harmonious social

life with the blessed angels and with the faithful ones of all ages

who have washed their robes and made them white in the blood

of the Lamb, the sacred ties that bind together 'the whole family

in heaven and earth' (Ephesians 3:15)—these help to constitute

the happiness of the redeemed."—The

Great Controversy,

677.



THINK IT THROUGH



What are some of the questions you would like to ask the

Father and the Son in the age to come?



FURTHER STUDY



Education,

pp. 301-309.

119

Sabbath School members who have not received a copy of the Adult Les-

sons for the first quarter of 1978 will be helped by the following outline in

studying the first two lessons. The title of the series is "God the Creator."

First Lesson

GOD THE CREATOR. Memory text, Jer. 10:12.

1. God Above All Gods (Jer. 10:11, 12)

2. Giver of Life (Ps. 36:9)

3. Satan Cannot Create Life (Gen. 3:4)

The Great Sustainer (Isa. 40:26)

No Beginning-No End (Ps. 90:2)

Giver of Eternal Life (1 John 5:11, 12)

Second Lesson

CREATION. Memory text, Isa. 44:24.

The Beginning (Gen. 1:1)

The Purpose (Isa. 43:7)

The Method of Creation (Ps. 33:6, 9)

The Time of Creation (Gen. 1:31; 2:2)

In His Image (Gen. 1:27)

The Results (Gen. 1:31)

Lessons in Braille

The regular Adult Sabbath School Lessons are available free each month in

Braille and 16

rpm records to blind and physically handicapped persons

who cannot read normal inkprint. This includes individuals who because of

arthritis, multiple sclerosis, paralysis, accidents, old age, and so forth,

cannot hold or focus on normal inkprint publications. Contact the Christian

Record Braille Foundation, Box 6097, Lincoln, Nebraska 68506.

by Norman Gulley

.Gertainly

altopic

that is of vital interest to every church member.

Bebad

illey was asked to write the teachers' edition of

the

SabbatAiscflool quarterly, Southern Publishing Association'

- .

...-.

asked him to prepare this book of extra source material. Each

ctiriter D

see-as

an additional aid in the preparation of thei.;..

lesson.



. ,

-Thejauthor

discusses such issues as: Is Armageddon a literal

battle? Why

ido ttieAedeemed have to'go through the "time of

trouble"?..is the nation otrael a sign of, the end?

4ft .



- ok

-!.

nation of

may aurchase this

,Sabbath School`lesson help from your

Adventist Book*Cenle

rAoltner through the ABC Mailing Service, '

Box



68137.

58137. Send $2.95 plus 40c,

kir postage

,on thetfirst irms'a, and 300 for each additional

book.

Ada sales tax

where

applicable.

Produced for the Church,

by Southern Publishing.Association



, t

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